Former Employees Expose Illegal Practices by Employers

A growing trend of whistleblowers coming forward to expose illegal, irregular, and dangerous practices by employers is shedding light on the importance of whistleblower protection. In many cases, these former employees have risked their careers and personal safety to report corrupt activities and bring accountability to those who would otherwise get away with it.

Whistleblower Protection Around the World

• The European Parliament and Council have introduced a directive aimed at protecting persons who report breaches of Union law.
• The Indian Law Reform Commission has emphasized that public servants have a duty to report corruption, even if it means breaking confidentiality.

Fiduciary Duty and Confidentiality

Public servants have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of taxpayers and not just their employers. They are required to respect the confidentiality of information they receive, but this does not extend to remaining silent about corruption. In fact, many countries have laws that allow whistleblowers to disclose confidential information without fear of reprisal.

Independent Public Institutions

The independence of public institutions is also crucial in fighting corruption. A recent report by the European Commission highlights the importance of:

• Independent judiciary, prosecution, and law enforcement bodies with adequate resources and professionalism.
• Measures to strengthen the independence and autonomy of justice systems.

Recommendations for Whistleblower Protection

In a significant development, the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights has issued recommendations to Member States to protect:

• Justice operators who risk their lives and personal integrity while working on cases related to corruption.
• The independence and autonomy of justice systems.

Conclusion

The stories of these whistleblowers serve as a reminder that corruption is a pervasive problem that requires concerted efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals to address. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize whistleblower protection and create an environment where individuals feel empowered to speak out against illegal practices without fear of retaliation.