Today, the Regional Conference on Whistleblower Protection and Justice Reform was held, serving as a platform to discuss the importance of protecting whistleblowers and strengthening the rule of law through judicial system reforms. The conference gathered participants from various countries in the region and beyond, KosovaPress reports.
The Executive Director of the Kosovo Law Institute (IKD), Eham Miftaraj, emphasized that whistleblowing is a powerful tool not only to combat corruption but also to improve governance and restore citizens’ trust in public institutions.
“Public officials within institutions have vast information about misconduct within public institutions. Whistleblowing, as a powerful tool for preventing and improving the identity of public institutions, allows us to fight corruption and improve governance while also restoring citizens’ trust in public institutions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arian Dyrmishi, Executive Director of the Center for Democracy and Governance Studies in Albania, outlined six key objectives for the importance of whistleblower protection.
He stressed that the establishment of this coalition has served as a mechanism to support the activities of its members.
“The focus is on six main priorities: developing and advocating for laws on whistleblower protection or improving them, ensuring proper implementation of laws, raising public awareness about the role of whistleblowing, strengthening accountability, supporting and advising specific whistleblowers, and publishing reports on retaliation against them. Since its establishment, the coalition has served as a mechanism to support members’ activities and strengthen its impact in their respective countries,” Dyrmishi said.
Gresa Caka, former President of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers worldwide, highlighting global discussions and significant reforms.
She further discussed the proper balance between security and rights related to privacy and the fight against corruption in both public and international institutions.
“Whistleblower actions globally have resulted in important discussions and reforms, including legal ones, regarding the accountability of military and security structures. The proper balance between security and rights related to privacy, combating corruption in public and international institutions, and the downfall of powerful political figures has redefined the relationship between the power of authority and accountability obligations. Unfortunately, many of these individuals continue to be treated as controversial figures, sometimes as heroes and other times vilified as traitors, and often have lost jobs, economic well-being, sought refuge in other countries, undergone years of legal procedures, and been sentenced to prison,” she stated.
The conference, held in Pristina, highlighted the key role of whistleblowers in strengthening the rule of law and increasing transparency in the region. It served as an important platform for collaboration, sharing experiences, and promoting sustainable justice reforms, KosovaPress reports.
During its two days, participants exchanged experiences and best practices in whistleblower protection and discussed challenges and opportunities for sustainable reforms in justice.
