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Individuals who learn about corruption, fraud or mismanagement in organisations have a difficult choice to make. By reporting experiences or suspicions of wrongdoing they often expose themselves to high personal risk. Rather than being heard and praised for their courage, they may be ostracized by former friends and colleagues. They may face workplace reprisal or dismissal, their employer may sue (or threaten to sue) them for breach of confidentiality or libel, and they may be subject to criminal sanctions. They may even be subject to threats or physical harm. In many instances, in spite of their best efforts, they face indifference or mistrust, and their reports are not properly investigated.

Early disclosure of wrongdoing or the risk of wrongdoing can protect human rights, help to save lives and safeguard the rule of law. The value and importance of whistleblowing in the fight against corruption is becoming increasingly recognised. International conventions commit signatory countries to implementing appropriate legislation, and several countries have proposed legislation under consideration.

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Transparency International is committed to enhancing whistleblower protection and promoting the implementation of related legislation and organisational best practices. The 2009 TI annual membership meeting adopted a resolution on the protection of whistleblowers. In the context of a European Commission co-funded project, TI published the report “Alternative to silence” about whistleblowing mechanisms in 10 European countries and developed recommended draft principles for whistleblowing legislation. In November 2010, TI published the joint policy position "Whistleblowing: an effective tool in the fight against corruption"

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