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	Corruption Perceptions Index 2010 by Transparency International (TI)   Oct. 2010   With governments committing huge sums to tackle the world''s most pressing problems, from the instability of financial markets to climate change and poverty, corruption remains an obstacle to achieving much needed progress.   The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that nearly three quarters of the 178 countries in the index score below five, on a scale from 10 (highly clean) to 0 (highly corrupt). These results indicate a serious corruption problem.   To address these challenges, governments need to integrate anti-corruption measures in all spheres, from their responses to the financial crisis and climate change to commitments by the international community to eradicate poverty. Transparency International advocates stricter implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption, the only global initiative that provides a framework for putting an end to corruption.   Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore are tied at the top of the list with a score of 9.3, followed closely by Finland and Sweden at 9.2. Bringing up the rear is Somalia with a score of 1.1, slightly trailing Myanmar and Afghanistan at 1.4 and Iraq at 1.5.   Notable among decliners over the past year are some of the countries most affected by a financial crisis precipitated by transparency and integrity deficits. Among those improving in the past year, the general absence of OECD states underlines the fact that all nations need to bolster their good governance mechanisms. The message is clear: across the globe, transparency and accountability are critical to restoring trust and turning back the tide of corruption. Without them, global policy solutions to many global crises are at risk. Visit the related web page
	Access to Justice - Human Rights Abuses involving Corporations by International Commission of Jurists   Oct 2010   The International Commission of Jurists has initiated a new project aimied at identifying the most important legal and procedural factors in guaranteeing adequate access to justice and effective remedy for victims of corporate human rights abuse, and identifying the problematic areas that need to be addressed.   The project marks an important step in building international consensus around an agenda on access to justice for those whose rights have been affected by business including transnational corporations. And for that reason a special emphasis will be made on delineating a role for judges and lawyers in the protection of human rights in this context. The ICJ reports suggest points of action and recommend avenues to be pursued..   The International Commission of Jurists is dedicated to the primacy, coherence and implementation of international law and principles that advance human rights.   What distinguishes the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is its impartial, objective and authoritative legal approach to the protection and promotion of human rights through the rule of law.   The ICJ provides legal expertise at both the international and national levels to ensure that developments in international law adhere to human rights principles and that international standards are implemented at the national level. Visit the related web page
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