Financial Crime World

Uzbekistan Set to Introduce Whistleblower Protection Laws Amid Anti-Corruption Drive

The Uzbek government has unveiled a draft law aimed at shielding citizens who report corruption offenses from persecution and discrimination, a move seen as a crucial step in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat graft.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

  • Guarantees protection from harm, including threats to life, health, personal and professional reputation, and property
  • Ensures confidentiality of informants’ identities
  • Provides legal assistance to whistleblowers
  • Prevents retaliatory measures against them
  • Prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against whistleblowers, including unjustified disciplinary punishment, dismissal, demotion, or discrimination

Electronic System for Registering Whistleblower Reports

  • The government plans to establish a centralized electronic system for registering and analyzing whistleblower reports
  • Reports on legislative violations related to informant protection will be presented to relevant state agencies

Rewarding Whistleblowers

  • The government has announced plans to reward whistleblowers as established by legislation
  • Public discussion of the draft law will continue until May 2, with a view to finalizing the legislation and implementing measures to protect those who speak out against corruption

Implementation and Effectiveness

  • The move is seen as a significant step forward in Uzbekistan’s fight against corruption, which has been a major focus of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s administration
  • The government has previously launched several high-profile investigations into alleged graft cases involving senior officials
  • The new law aims to create an environment where citizens feel empowered to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation

Responsibility for Ensuring Whistleblower Security

  • The Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Security Service, National Guard, and their regional bodies will be responsible for ensuring the security of whistleblowers when there are sufficient reasons to fear persecution or violence

Timeline

  • Public discussion of the draft law will continue until May 2
  • The legislation is expected to come into effect following its passage by parliament