Whistleblower Protection Unit Discloses Protections and Rights
In a groundbreaking move, the Whistleblower Protection Unit has revealed the extensive protections and rights afforded to whistleblowers in the workplace.
Reporting Wrongdoing
According to sources, employees who report wrongdoing or corruption can make disclosures through various channels, including:
- Online submission forms
- Complaints
- In cases of urgent public danger, whistleblowers can also reach out to:
- Media outlets
- Civil society organizations
- Legal associations
- Trade unions
- Professional bodies
Protection from Retaliation
Whistleblowers are protected from any form of retaliation, including:
- Dismissal
- Demotion
- Restriction on promotion opportunities
- Threats and warnings
- Any other activities carried out against them
Anonymity and Confidentiality
The unit stressed that whistleblowers’ identities must be kept confidential, unless they explicitly consent to disclosure. Investigators are required to protect the personal information of whistleblowers, including:
- Names
- Addresses
- Contact numbers
- Job titles
Right to Refuse Wrongdoing
Employees have a right to refuse to participate in corrupt or illegal activities without fear of reprisal. This refusal will not be considered as a breach of any agreement or basis for legal action.
Protection for False Disclosures
Even if an employee makes a false disclosure, they are still protected if they made the report with a reasonable belief that the information was true at the time of disclosure.
Guaranteed Protections
Whistleblowers are immune from:
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Liability under criminal, civil, and administrative laws
- Slander
- Libel
- Copyright infringement
Checklist for Speaking Up Safely
To ensure safe whistleblowing, employees can follow this checklist:
- Meet the criteria for whistleblowing
- Know your rights and protections
- Seek legal advice prior to making a disclosure
- Report to the relevant authority
- Avoid gathering evidence
- Seek support
Burden of Proof on Employer
The employer bears the burden of proof to demonstrate that any measures taken against an employee were not connected to or motivated by the whistleblower’s disclosure.
Preservation of Rights
Any rule or agreement that obstructs whistleblowers’ protections and rights is invalid, including:
- Confidentiality agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements
Personal Protection and Compensation
Whistleblowers whose lives are in jeopardy and their family members are entitled to receive personal protection measures. They are also eligible for compensation for damage suffered due to retaliatory actions.
The Whistleblower Protection Unit’s disclosure of these protections and rights aims to empower employees to speak up against wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. For more information, whistleblowers can contact the Transparency Maldives’ Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre for free legal advice and assistance.