Egypt’s Whistleblower Laws: A Review of the Current State
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In a country where corruption is rampant and transparency is scarce, the role of whistleblowers in uncovering wrongdoing has become increasingly crucial. However, Egypt’s lack of specific legislation to regulate whistleblower practices has left many citizens and employees feeling vulnerable.
The Current State of Whistleblower Laws in Egypt
According to a recent report by Transparency International, there is no specific law that regulates whistle-blowing practices in Egypt. While citizens may report issues such as illicit gain, negligence, or legal violations to existing oversight organizations, whistleblowers are often required to submit identifying information, including their name and national ID number.
Concerns and Challenges
The lack of safeguards against retaliation, including harassment or dismissal, has also been a major concern. Despite the existence of the Administrative Control Authority (ACA), which accepts complaints electronically, whistleblowers have reported instances of retaliation and fear for their safety.
- The murder of Khaled Said, who exposed police corruption on social media, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against wrongdoing.
- Whistleblowers in the private sector also face intimidation and persecution, with many companies lacking whistleblower policies.
Recommendations
The report recommends introducing a whistle-blowing act that regulates whistleblowing practices and protects whistleblowers. It also calls for:
- Introducing a Freedom of Information Act
- Mainstreaming good governance and accountability across listed and non-listed companies (small, medium, and large ones)
- Encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt good governance and accountability practices
Advocacy and Support
The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of civil society organizations, media outlets, and international institutions working together to:
- Advocate for needed legal reforms
- Provide support to whistleblowers
- Engage citizens in the fight against corruption
- Raise awareness about available whistleblowing mechanisms
Recommendations:
- Introduce a whistle-blowing act that regulates whistleblowing practices and protects whistleblowers.
- Introduce a Freedom of Information Act.
- Mainstream good governance and accountability across listed and non-listed companies (small, medium, and large ones).
- Encourage SMEs to adopt good governance and accountability practices.
- Civil society organizations should adopt the role of government and private sector watchdog, engage citizens in the fight against corruption, raise awareness about available whistleblowing mechanisms, and advocate for needed legal reforms.
- Media outlets should advocate for needed legal reforms, increase syndicate protection of all journalists, especially investigative ones, and rally resources to support increasing the number and capacity of investigative journalists.
Source: Transparency International. (2015). Whistleblower Laws in Egypt: A Review of the Current State. Berlin, Germany.