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Ukraine’s Whistleblower Protection Laws Stand Out in Time of War
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Despite being embroiled in a brutal conflict with Russia, Ukraine has made significant strides in protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that government funds are not misused. A delegation from Ukraine recently visited Washington D.C. to discuss their nation’s whistleblower legislation with experts from the United States.
Strengthening Whistleblower Protections
The Ukrainian delegation was impressed by the success of US whistleblower policy reforms. They heard about the 35 laws enacted in the US to protect corporate and government whistleblowers and learned about international efforts with the United Nations, European Union, and various countries, including Ukraine.
Designing Effective Whistleblower Protection Laws
Ukraine’s whistleblower protection laws were designed to ensure that government funds are distributed quickly and efficiently while preventing fraud. The US has taken a keen interest in these anti-corruption measures, considering strong whistleblower protections as a condition for continued financial support.
Aligning with EU Regulations
As Ukraine strives to join the EU, its regulations must align with the EU’s directive on whistleblower protection. In this regard, Ukraine’s rules and protections already meet or exceed the EU’s directive in several instances. The country’s laws provide internal and external freedom to report fraud, waste, and abuse, with employees of organizations with more than 50 employees having their own reporting channels.
Whistleblower Protections in Ukraine
- Employees have the right to report fraud, waste, and abuse internally or externally
- Whistleblowers are free to go to the press or government before notifying their employer
- Organizations with more than 50 employees must provide separate reporting channels for employees
Remedies for Whistleblowers
Remedies such as funding and job security provide interim relief for individuals who blow the whistle. Ukraine’s legislation ensures that whistleblowers and their close relatives cannot be denied employment, fired, or subjected to retaliatory actions due to their activity – a provision exceeding any law within the United States.
Participating in Investigations
Ukrainian whistleblowers have strong rights to participate in the investigation of their claims of fraud, waste, and abuse, similar to those in the US. In cases involving national security, Ukrainian whistleblowers may use classified information they have lawful access to, unlike in the US where this is not allowed.
Challenges Faced by Whistleblowers
The US has law firms and government offices dedicated to whistleblower claims, protections, litigation, and legal assistance, whereas many Ukrainian whistleblowers do not seek personal counsel and instead navigate the process on their own.
International Cooperation
The US experts applauded Ukraine’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers despite the demands of war. The country’s efforts demonstrate a courageous stand against corruption and a determination to ensure that government funds are used transparently and accountability is upheld.