On February 17, the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) is hosting a virtual panel discussion entitled “Whistleblower Protection in Action: How to Shield Workplace Witnesses from Retaliation.” The event, which features top international experts on whistleblower protection, is free and open to the public.
IACA is an international intergovernmental organization launched in 2010 that offers anti-corruption training to government officials and professionals. IACA is hosting this panel in recognition that as more and more countries adopt whistleblower protection laws, it is extremely valuable to share expertise on how best to utilize laws and shield whistleblowers from retaliation.
The panel discussion will focus on the best practices for protecting whistleblowers. The expert panelists will explain the most effective and efficient ways to shield employees, win their reinstatement if they are dismissed or demoted, and obtain compensation if they suffer damages. The panel is designed to offer important insights and practical tips to individuals who deal with whistleblowers, work on whistleblower cases, or design whistleblower protection systems.
Speaking on the panel will be leading whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and Boris Vukasinovic, Deputy Director of the Montenegro Agency for Prevention of Corruption. The panel will be moderated by Mark Worth, Executive Director at the European Center for Whistleblower Rights and Whistleblowing International. It will also feature opening remarks by Pawan Kumar Sinha, IACA’s Director of Academic Programmes.
“Theory is great,” Worth said. “But when it comes to protecting corruption witnesses from retaliation – especially in the workplace – you need to use your instincts and creativity. Winning means being tenacious and agile. We look forward to sharing our successful strategies.”
“Retaliation against whistleblowers creates a massive chilling effect on people willing to report corruption,” Kohn said. “When people know their rights, the chance of blowing the whistle without vengeance increases dramatically. The key to success is making sure citizens, as well the public officials in charge of whistleblower protection, understand how these rights work in real-life situations. This course is essential to achieve this success.”
“If you deal with whistleblowers, work on whistleblower cases, or design whistleblower protection systems, this discussion will give you valuable insights that will help you achieve success and justice,” Khusraw Parwez, IACA’s Academic Programmes Coordinator, said.
Registration for the event can be found here.