There is a strong correlation [TI report] between corruption and social exclusion worldwide, Transparency International (TI) [advocacy website] argued in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index [materials] released Wednesday. However, TI is careful to note that correlation is not the same as causation. A likely third factor for the correlation examined by the authors was a country’s level of development, because richer countries are in a better position to provide social services while also combating corruption. However, the report found that social inclusion is a much stronger predictor of corruption in a country than its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. The report stated that corruption and social inequality “feed off each other to create a vicious circle between corruption, unequal distribution of power in society, and unequal distribution of wealth.” TI also advised that there is a global populist movement which links both social inequality and corruption that is nativist and often politically right-wing. However, the organization warns that “by and large, anti-establishment parties fail miserably to address—and often significantly increase—the very corruption they set out to get rid of.” The report encourages [press release] governments to enact reforms that would empower its citizens and decrease the gap in power and wealth.

According to TI’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the countries deemed to have the most corruption are Somalia, South Sudan, North Korea and Syria. In November the UN Assistant Secretary-General for human rights called on [JURIST report] Somalia’s international partners to increase their aid to the country in order for the government to maintain its gains in protecting its citizens’ human rights. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein warned [JURIST report] last month that South Sudan “teeters on the brink of a disaster.” Shortly before leaving office, the Obama administration expanded sanctions [JURIST report] against North Korea for alleged human rights violations. The war in Syria is having a devastating impact on the country. In December the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution [JURIST report] to establish an independent panel to investigation possible war crimes in Syria.