Strengthening whistleblower protection system (MEZBK0002)

Commitment ID

MEZBK0002

Commitment Title

Strengthening whistleblower protection system

Problem

The lack of trust of citizens in the whistleblower protection system as a reliable mechanism for reporting corruption is a serious problem. This critical issue significantly affects the effectiveness of the fight against corruption. Citizens are discouraged due to fear of the consequences they could suffer if they decide to report suspicious activities, because they do not trust that they will be protected. This fear is partly due to the lack of clearly defined legal means to protect whistleblowers. Without adequate legal protection, citizens and employees have no safe way to report corruption without fear of retaliation or repression. For an effective fight against corruption, it is necessary to develop functional institutional mechanisms and consistently respect the legal framework. This includes improving the procedures for recording reports, with a clear definition of the responsibilities of different authorities in the process of solving reported cases of corruption. In order to overcome these challenges, it is necessary to work together to create a safe and confidential environment for whistleblowers. This will encourage citizens and employees to report corruption, which will ultimately contribute to greater integrity and transparency in local administration and the community as a whole.

Status quo

The current situation in the Municipality of Žabljak is characterized by a lack of effective means of protecting whistleblowers and reporting corruption, which has serious consequences for both citizens and the administration itself. The absence of clear legal mechanisms creates a sense of fear among potential whistleblowers, as they have no confidence that they will be protected if they decide to disclose information about corrupt activities. In addition, there is a lack of a transparent channel for reporting corruption in the municipal administration, which makes it difficult for citizens and employees to access the system for reporting irregularities. As a result, there have been no reports of corruption in the municipal administration in the last three years. Although the plan for the fight against corruption for 2022 envisaged the establishment of reporting mechanisms, the implementation of those measures did not reach the required level. This current situation indicates an urgent need to strengthen the legal protection of whistleblowers and improve the system for reporting corruption in order to create an environment in which citizens and employees of the municipal administration will be encouraged to report information about irregularities and corrupt practices.

Action

The overall goal is to improve the fight against corruption in the Municipality of Žabljak. This will be achieved through three key steps: The first step is to develop internal procedures and guidelines to establish an effective mechanism for reporting corruption. This will provide clear guidance for citizens and employees on how to report corrupt activities. The second step focuses on establishing and promoting reporting mechanisms among citizens. This includes disseminating information through local media, websites, social media and joint events to increase the visibility and accessibility of the application system. The third step is to educate employees about the importance of reporting corruption and whistle-blowing procedures. It will also highlight the safeguards that exist for whistleblowers, in order to reduce the fear of retaliation. These measures aim to create a reliable and efficient system for reporting corruption, strengthen the transparency and integrity of local administration, and encourage citizens and employees to actively participate in the fight against corruption.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The obligation will significantly contribute to solving the problem of citizens' lack of trust in the whistleblower protection system and improve the fight against corruption through three key steps. The development of internal procedures will provide clear guidelines for citizens and employees on how to report corrupt activities. This will eliminate ambiguities and uncertainties regarding the reporting of corruption. Establishing and promoting reporting mechanisms among citizens will significantly increase the visibility of the corruption reporting system. Through information through websites, social networks and joint events, citizens will become aware of the existence of this system and will understand that they have a safe way to report suspicious activities. Educating employees on the importance of reporting corruption and whistleblowing procedures will ensure that employees know their duties and responsibilities in relation to reporting corruption. It is important to note that 71.4% of respondents to the survey conducted in the Municipality of Žabljak stated that they would participate in anti-corruption training, which shows that there is significant interest and support for these initiatives among citizens. This indicates the potential for the success of these measures and a positive step towards building a more reliable and efficient system for reporting corruption, which will ultimately contribute to the integrity and transparency of the local administration.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The determination of the Municipality of Žabljak to protect whistleblowers refers to the long-term goal of "Promoting responsibility and integrity". Whistleblower protection is a key component of promoting government accountability and integrity. Committed to protecting whistleblowers, the Municipality of Žabljak works to create an environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to report misconduct, corruption and other acts. This commitment is in line with the broader goal of fostering transparency, preventing corruption, and holding public officials and institutions accountable for their actions. Finally, by encouraging and protecting whistleblowers, the municipality contributes to building a culture of responsibility, integrity and ethical management, which are essential elements of the long-term goal "Promoting responsibility and integrity" in the strategic vision of open government.

Primary Policy Area

Whistleblower Protections

Primary Sector

Public Services (general), Other/NA

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?