Project Update
OSCE strengthens whistleblower protection framework in Moldova through roundtable discussion and training
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, OSCE Secretariat
- Fields of work:
- Conflict prevention and resolution, Economic activities, Good governance
On 20 and 23 March, the OSCE, in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice of Moldova, the National Anticorruption Center and the People’s Advocate Office, organised a roundtable discussion and an introductory training in Chisinau aimed at strengthening Moldova’s whistleblower protection system, with a particular focus on the security and justice sectors.
The roundtable discussion brought together representatives of national institutions and civil society who exchanged views on the development of Moldova’s legal and institutional frameworks for whistleblower protection. Good international practices shared by the OSCE experts were discussed with a view to incorporating them into national policies and operational procedures. The introductory training familiarized practitioners from competent authorities with good practices in whistleblower protection, in line with European standards. Through case studies and practical exercises, the sessions covered, in particular, the procedures for internal reporting, the assessment of disclosures, proportionality in handling confidential information, and safeguards against retaliation.
“The training was very useful, especially for those new to their professional roles”, said one of the participants at the training. “It helped me understand the step-by-step approach to protecting those who blow the whistle”, she added.
Effective whistleblower protection is essential to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. It facilitates the early detection of corruption, maladministration, and abuse of power, while reinforcing institutional accountability and public trust. This safeguard is of crucial importance within the security and justice sectors, which are vested with special authorities.
These activities were conducted as part of a cross-dimensional effort under two OSCE extrabudgetary projects: “Supporting Anti-Corruption Efforts of the Government of Moldova”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, supported by Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Slovakia; and “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) within the OSCE: Phase III”, implemented by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and supported by Germany, UK, Norway, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and Finland.