The processing of whistleblowers’ reports and the protection of whistleblowers is a relatively new concept in Kosovo*’s legal and institutional system, considering the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers only came into effect in January 2019. It was then followed by a set of bylaws aimed at further strengthening the legal framework for whistleblower protection against retaliation. The need to train public officials on this topic was therefore identified as a major priority.
In this regard, on 26-28 November 2021, the Council of Europe Economic Crime and Cooperation Division (ECCD) has partnered up with Kosovo Institute for Public Administration (KIPA) – the institution responsible for training public officials – and organised a Training of Trainers (ToT) on the topic of whistleblower protection for KIPA’s representatives.
Participants from different public institutions were able to enhance their knowledge on general aspects of whistleblowing and protection of whistleblowers. Important emphasis was put on the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions in the context of whistleblowing, as well as on the ability to recognise and appropriately handle situations whistleblowers might be subjected to in everyday life. Participants were also presented different whistleblowing mechanisms in line with the international standards and domestic legislation. Landmark cases of the European Court of Human Rights were used to illustrate the significant role played by the Court’s case law in shaping the whistleblower protection framework in Europe. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to exchange with a whistleblower and get acquainted with the examples of personal experience.
Participants have also received proper guidance on the methodology to follow for the purpose of conducting peer-to-peer training for public officials. In order to further support them in this endeavour, the Council of Europe is currently developing a Training Manual on whistleblower protection. The Manual will provide future trainers with concrete guidelines, practical tools and exercises for group work, as well as with post-training assessment forms. Moreover, the Training Manual will also be made available to trainees who will be able to use it as reference tool both during and after the training.
The activity was organised within the framework of the “Project against Economic Crime in Kosovo” (PECK III), jointly funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.
