Whistleblower Protection in Somalia’s Financial Institutions Takes a Step Forward
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A significant decision by the United Nations Ethics Committee has vindicated a whistleblower who exposed wrongdoing in the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Somalia projects. This move is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening whistleblower protection in Somalia’s financial institutions.
Background
Ismail Ahmed, a former UNDP financial services program officer, made protected disclosures regarding fraud and corruption in the UNDP Somalia Remittances Programme. He alleged that irregularities in the procurement process and support provided to companies suspected of links with terrorist organizations threatened to jeopardize international regulations addressing money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Case
Ahmed’s disclosures led to retaliation from UNDP officials, which included his professional reputation being damaged and a transfer without adequate support. The Ethics Committee found that Ahmed suffered retaliation due to his protected whistleblowing activities and recommended that UNDP take comprehensive steps to correct the effects of this retaliation.
Key Findings
bullets: * The Ethics Committee found that Ahmed’s whistleblower disclosures were made in good faith and were protected under UNDP’s whistleblower policy. * The Committee also found that Ahmed suffered retaliation due to his whistleblowing activities, including damage to his professional reputation and inadequate support during his transfer. * The Committee recommended that UNDP take comprehensive steps to correct the effects of this retaliation.
Impact
The decision is seen as a victory for whistleblower protection in Somalia’s financial institutions. However, it has also highlighted several concerns regarding the handling of whistleblower cases by UNDP’s investigative body, the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), and the Ethics Office.
Concerns
bullets: * Failure to disclose retaliatory statements made in Ahmed’s case. * Claims that there was no retaliation despite strong evidence to the contrary. * Lack of disciplinary action taken against those responsible for the retaliation.
Calls for Strengthened Whistleblower Protections
GAP, which has been advocating for whistleblower protection and corporate accountability, welcomes the decision as a significant step forward. “This decision shows that there can be light at the end of a long tunnel for UNDP whistleblowers who have overwhelming evidence of retaliation,” said Shelley Walden, International Program Officer at GAP.
Next Steps
The case highlights the need for stronger whistleblower protections in Somalia’s financial institutions. The failure of OAI to interview key witnesses and the inappropriate participation of a UNDP management representative in an investigative interview are just two examples of the challenges faced by whistleblowers in these cases.
Recommendations
bullets: * Strengthen whistleblower protection policies and procedures. * Ensure that all whistleblower disclosures are thoroughly investigated and retaliation is prevented. * Provide adequate support to whistleblowers who have been subjected to retaliation.
Contact Information
Contact: Dylan Blaylock, GAP Communications Director Phone: 202.457.0034, ext. 137, cell 202.236.3733 Email: [email address]
Contact: Beatrice Edwards Phone: 202.457.0034 ext. 155 Email: [email address]