Box 5 – Ending impunity for the corrupt Bending the law, beating the system or escaping punishment – and getting away with it – define impunity for corruption. Impunity is anathema to the fight against corruption and, especially in the judiciary and law enforcement sectors, is a direct challenge to the rule of law. But rooting out undue influence from government or business interests in the legal system, or detecting bribery, is difficult. That 31 per cent of people who came into contact with the police and 24 per cent of people who came into contact with the judiciary in the previous 12 months report paying a bribe only underscores the unjust and persistent nature of impunity for corrupt acts. There is much that can be done to end impunity. Emphasising the appropriate political, legal and social sanctions for those who enjoy impunity for corruption, Transparency International’s efforts increase accountability and make it ever more difficult for individuals, corporations and others to get away with corruption. Transparency International is working around the world to end impunity, particularly through strengthening the judicial system. To enhance the integrity of judicial bodies, Transparency International’s chapter in Palestine prepared codes of conduct and trained both judges and prosecutors. In Senegal, we are enhancing the technical capacity of the judiciary, by providing technical expertise on issues related to asset recovery and illicit enrichment. While in Slovakia, we are developing an online tool that allows citizens to observe, monitor, and discuss decisions of individual judges.
Global Corruption Barometer 2013
19