Civil society organisations (CSOs) are at the frontlines of whistleblowing around the world, enabling
whistleblowers to expose abuses of power, corruption, and harm and advocating for better protections.
This report, based on an in-depth survey of 64 questions, completed by 50 organisations across 25
countries, provides a comprehensive picture of who these organisations are, the work they do, and the
pressures they face. It shows a diverse but fragile ecosystem carrying an outsized share of democratic
accountability.
Progress in whistleblower protection law and policy owes much to the sustained efforts of small, dedicated
CSOs who continue to carry a disproportionate share of the work of supporting individuals who challenge
power. The organisations in this study actively counter negative stereotypes by demonstrating how
whistleblowing strengthens institutional accountability and contributes to safer communities. Yet in
increasingly volatile and hostile political environments, isolation and vulnerability remain real risks.
Meeting these risks requires embedding whistleblower protection within the broader movement for
democratic reform, global accountability and building the cross-sector collaboration that makes that
possible.
Learn about the report and insights from it in the recorded launch event.
Download the report here.