Corruption is a problem that plagues countries all over the world in many different ways.

​

Corruption disproportionately hurts the poor. According to the Guardian, in Eastern Europe, “people often have to bribe teachers and doctors to get services which are supposed to be free.” Countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, North Korea and Yemen repeatedly rank at the top of the list of the most corrupt countries. According to Transparency International UK, in “Jakarta, Lima and Manila, the urban poor pay private water retailers between five and ten times more for their water than the rich pay for piped water.” Furthermore, in countries like India and Pakistan, many people, even police and government workers, take bribes, even for things as simple as paying off a parking ticket. Some countries have loopholes in the financial system where public officials can launder funds. In other countries, election fraud occurs. When the government takes advantage of the people in this way, citizens lose faith in their governments and become disconnected from civic engagement and society.

 

In order to combat corruption, government officials must be held accountable for their actions. Considering the scandal with Justin Trudeau and SNC Lavalin, this is a good example where those in power must be checked. There are so many examples were corrupt leaders get away with their actions. The issue is that every dollar pocketed by an official is a dollar effectively taken away from healthcare or education. Public access to information is imperative and finances should be more transparent to citizens. Until we curb corruption, it is difficult to raise developing nations out of poverty and create progress.