WIN is delighted to see such thorough research by the
Government Accountability Project and
International Bar Association on whistleblowers legislation around the world in their new report: Are Whistleblowing Laws Working? A Global Study of Whistleblower Protection Litigation.
Over the course of two years GAP and IBA have tracked the records of whistleblower laws in 38 countries to understand the successes and shortcomings of whistleblower protection, following a rise in anti-corruption laws in recent decades.
The report found that almost a quarter of the world’s countries have national whistleblowing laws but too often the rights which look impressive on paper offer minimal protection in practice. For example, the US and 19 other nations do not protect whistleblowers from criminal and civil liability SLAPP suits. Furthermore, some laws only protect whistleblowers who disclose misconduct to internal or external authorities who may be more interested in protecting abuses of power.
The report aims to provide a vital framework for legislators to protect whistleblowers in law with recommendations to draft laws that reflect global best practices as well as commit to transparency and education of whistleblower rights.
To read full report see here.