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Iceland Enshrines Whistleblower Protection Laws: A Victory for Transparency and Accountability
In a landmark move, Iceland has finally codified whistleblower protection laws into its legal framework. This significant step aims to combat illegal activity and unethical practices in both public and private sectors.
What the Law Entails
The new legislation allows workers to report information or submit documentation that reveals wrongdoing in the workplace without fear of retribution. According to the law, employees can disclose information about:
- Illegal activities that may not necessarily constitute a clear violation of regulations or laws.
- Practices that put public health and safety, as well as the environment, at risk.
The legislation also prohibits employers from retaliating against whistleblowers by:
- Altering their work duties
- Reducing their rights
- Terminating their employment
Background and Context
The draft of this law was first proposed in October last year, following a 2018 report recommending the need for such protections. The move comes amidst growing concerns about press freedom in Iceland, with Reporters Without Borders downgrading the country’s ranking due to deteriorating relations between politicians and media outlets.
A recent example includes an injunction against media outlets Stundin and Reykjavík Media in 2017, which was eventually lifted but had a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
The Push for Whistleblower Protection
The push for whistleblower protection laws has been ongoing since 2010, when the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative aimed to establish Iceland as an “information safe haven”. However, it took years of effort to translate these goals into concrete legislation. With this milestone achieved, advocates are hailing the victory as a crucial step towards promoting transparency and accountability in Icelandic society.
Conclusion
The enshrinement of whistleblower protection laws in Iceland is a significant achievement that will help combat illegal activity and unethical practices. This landmark move promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that workers can speak up without fear of retribution.