Speak Up: Empowering Citizens Against Corruption, Transparency International (2015)
This report from
Transparency International draws on the findings of a 2013 study in which 114,000 people ranging from 107 countries were asked for their views on corruption. The research revealed a widespread public feeling of a lack of accountability, transparency and integrity across public institutions, and with this, an appetite to bring about change. The importance of whistleblowers in shining light on corrupt practices is acknowledged, pointing out that at the time of the report, only 4 out of 27 EU states had whistleblowing protections that were regarded as advanced. A shocking unwillingness to report is also revealed with 74% of those who witnessed or experienced corruption in Europe saying they did not report it. The report emphasises the need to improve whistleblowing protections worldwide, referencing TI’s successful campaigning work in countries to bring about developments in the law – including in Ireland in the form of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.