Whistleblowers play a crucial role in the fight for a fairer world. On World Whistleblowers Day, 23 June, we honour the courage and determination of people worldwide who speak up against wrongdoing and celebrate the positive changes they bring. However, this is also a day to acknowledge the challenges they often face and the protection they need to speak up. Transparency International is continuously striving to provide this support to whistleblowers so they can continue to use their voices for justice.
Whistleblowers like the ones in these 12 inspiring stories from around the world have helped safeguard public funds, defend the environment and protect public health – but their journeys have often been tough. Without proper protection, whistleblowers can face personal, professional and legal attacks for speaking up – including dismissal, demotion and prosecution – harming their mental or physical wellbeing. People can be deterred from coming forward if the risks of reporting seem too great, or if they fear they won’t be taken seriously. For example, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer – European Union shows that only 47 per cent of people in the EU feel they can safely report corruption, and 45 per cent fear reprisals. Women are less likely than men to believe they can safely report corruption or to think that citizens can make a difference against corruption.
This means wrongdoing can remain undetected.
Regardless, every year, whistleblowers worldwide do speak out and safeguard the public interest. In 2022, Transparency International Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) received a whistleblower complaint highlighting official collusion with two private oil companies, costing the state 1.13 billion rupees (US$3.9 million) in unpaid royalties. Protecting the whistleblower’s identity, the chapter wrote to the Prime Minister asking regulators to investigate. The Office of the Prime Minister issued instructions for recovery of the royalties. The Treasury received payment from both companies in February 2023, – providing vital resources for the people of Pakistan.
