Protection Must Be Provided to Whistleblowers, Experts Say
International experts have emphasized the importance of protecting whistleblowers who play a crucial role in exposing corruption and tracing crime proceeds. At an international seminar, they highlighted the risks faced by whistleblowers when coming forward with information about corrupt activities and called for legal protections to ensure their safety and anonymity.
The Importance of Whistleblower Protection
Whistleblowers often face significant risks when sharing information about corrupt activities. “Their bravery is essential in helping us uncover the truth behind corruption,” said an expert. “We must ensure that they are protected from retaliation and harassment.”
Specialized Training and Expertise Needed
The experts also emphasized the need for specialized training and expertise among law enforcement agencies to effectively collect evidence linking crime proceeds to corrupt activities.
Empowering Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
In addition, the group stressed the importance of empowering designated NGOs to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and tracing crime proceeds.
Effective Legal Measures Required
The experts also highlighted the need for countries to have effective legal measures for:
- Search
- Seizure
- Freezing
- Confiscation
while keeping in view the human rights of citizens.
Additional Recommendations
Furthermore, the group recommended that countries consider having provisions to confiscate money of an equivalent amount from other assets of the convict where it is not feasible to confiscate illegal properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the experts emphasized the importance of:
- Providing adequate legal protection to whistleblowers
- Empowering NGOs
- Having effective legal measures for search, seizure, freezing, and confiscation
- Keeping in view the human rights of citizens
These measures are crucial in ensuring that corrupt activities are exposed and criminals are held accountable.