The Government of Ukraine supported the bill on strengthening the rights of military personnel who are whistleblowers of corruption
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft law aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights of military personnel who report alleged corruption or corruption-related offenses. About this informs press service of the Ministry of Defense.
“The purpose of the changes is to increase transparency in the Defense Forces, to guarantee every serviceman a safe mechanism for reporting corruption and reliable protection against harassment or pressure. This is another step towards the creation of an effective and modern army, in which there is no place for corruption or abuse,” – said Defense Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
The project provides for the right of military personnel to send reports about possible cases of corruption to special units or authorized persons responsible for preventing and detecting corruption. Military whistleblowers will also be able to independently choose how to inform – including directly contacting the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption. In addition, the document provides that in such cases it is not necessary to report the violation to the immediate supervisor.
“The adoption of this draft law is an important step to guarantee the protection of the rights of military personnel who reported possible facts of corruption or corruption-related offenses within military structures. We must ensure that every service member can safely report corruption violations and guarantee their protection.” – said the Director of the Department for Prevention and Detection of Corruption of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Colonel of Justice Serhiy Stepanyan.
The adoption of these changes is aimed at strengthening trust in the army, increasing the openness of military structures, strengthening anti-corruption control and creating an effective system of protection for whistleblowers.
