1. Whistleblowing: an effective tool in the fight against corruption
- Publication Date:
- 01-2010
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Transparency International
- Abstract:
- Whistleblowing is increasingly recognised as an important tool in the prevention and detection of corruption and other malpractice. By disclosing wrongdoing in an organisation, whistleblowers can avert harm, protect human rights, help to save lives and safeguard the rule of law. The clandestine nature of corrupt behaviour means that it may never come to light unless cases are reported by people who discover them in the course of their work. But reporting can come at a high price: whistleblowers often expose themselves to great personal risks in order to protect the public interest. As a result of speaking out, they may lose their jobs, dampen their career prospects, and even put their own lives at risk. To provide a safe alternative to silence, TI recommends policy and legal measures to provide: Effective legal protection of whistleblowers against retaliation with full compensation in case of reprisals; Adequate mechanisms in public, private and not-for-profit organisations to ensure that disclosures are properly handled and thoroughly investigated; Public research, data collection, information and training to inform about the public benefit of whistleblowing.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Corruption, Crime, Human Rights, and Law
- Political Geography:
- United States