Progress in establishing an anti-corruption whistleblowing institution to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

08.11.2023

At a meeting of the Working Group of the OECD officials, the Deputy Head of the NACP Iaroslav Liubchenko and the Head of the Department for Integrity Policy Development in the Public and Private Sectors, Yurii Sverba, presented the steps taken by Ukraine towards development of the whistleblower institution.The NACP representatives introduced the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal and discussed plans for the development of the whistleblower institution in accordance with the OECD recommendations. During the meeting, the parties also discussed challenges in this area, including the implementation of EU Directive 2019/1937 into national legislation, particularly extending the sphere of the whistleblower institution beyond corruption-related offenses. Ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of whistleblowers and the gathering of relevant analytical and statistical data on corruption is another important issue. Striking a balance between the rights and guarantees of whistleblowers and the need to assess the effectiveness of corruption prevention and combat in various areas presents a challenge to Ukraine's anti-corruption system. Participants discussed mechanisms for implementing an effective whistleblower protection system and the importance of evaluating the impact of legislation on public relations, especially data-based approaches. Speakers from Canada, Slovakia, and Italy shared best practices and their experiences in this field, particularly regarding the incorporation of the whistleblower institution into public culture. "Ukraine does not stop at the achieved but strives for the development of the whistleblower institution as a mechanism for building integrity in the state, based on international standards and best global practices," noted Iaroslav Liubchenko. On October 12, the NACP completed the connection of the first wave of organizations to the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal. All specially authorized entities in the field of anti-corruption (NACP, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, State Bureau of Investigations, and High Council of Justice) now have access to the Portal. The mentioned bodies have the opportunity to ensure the functioning of internal and regular channels for reporting possible acts of corruption or corruption-related offenses, as well as other violations of this law. The connection of other government agencies is ongoing. The NACP provides advisory and practical assistance and encourages all government bodies, institutions, and organizations to submit documents for joining the Portal.