Progress on New Whistleblower Laws

Thanks to the dedication of activists and reform-minded policy-makers, civil society is making real advancements in whistleblower rights. Blueprint for Free Speech congratulates everyone on the winning side of these important legislative victories!

New, comprehensive laws to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and provide channels to report wrongdoing passed or have taken effect in at least five countries over the past two years: Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Ireland, Serbia and Slovakia in recent years. Prior to this, there were new laws passed in seven other countries.

Unfortunately but without surprise, none of the five new laws is perfect. Some include significant exemptions and loopholes that exclude certain groups of employees, restrict what types of crimes can be reported, or limit disclosure avenues. Still, these laws mark the continuation of a wave that began in 2010. Since then, at least 20 countries have put new laws on the books. And today, just as many countries are considering new or revised legislation.

Our eyes now turn to helping to ensure these new laws are properly and thoroughly enforced. Experience has shown that a poorly enforced whistleblower protection law can be more harmful than no law at all.