Sunday Read: WJP Index
This article was sent as part of NWC’s “Sunday Read” series that aims to educate supporters about whistleblower stories and whistleblower legislative or policy initiatives and current events. For more information like this, please join our mailing list.
In May 2022, National Whistleblower Center and Whistleblowing International presented working session at the World Justice Forum at the Hague in the Netherlands. The forum hosted 39 working sessions and the Declaration of Whistleblower Rights drafted during our session was included in the World Justice Project’s final report on the Forum. And, the Forum’s final statement included whistleblower protections in its final set of priorities.
NWC is committed to whistleblower rights worldwide and celebrates all efforts to fight corruption and protect whistleblowers. Organizations like the World Justice Project work tirelessly to measure and combat wrongdoing. In this week’s Sunday Read we describe the World Justice Project and their soon to be released 2022 Rule of Law Index.
Watch NWC’s Working Session Here: https://youtu.be/U9Tl3JQhlvo
World Justice Project Efforts to Combat Corruption
The World Justice Project (“WJP” or “Project”) works to advance the rule of law worldwide. Rule of law is the idea that all people should be equally viewed under publicly created rules that are fairly enforced above all else. According to the Project:
Effective rule of law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace — underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights.
Rule of law is a fundamental element to whistleblower. protection, because whistleblowers bring value most when everyone can agree that laws should be followed by all — rather than applied to some and not others.
WJP works to help the public understand rule of law, governments to follow rule of law, and grow cultures where rule of law is valued. Part of this effort is organizing the World Justice Forum and other programs, but also researching rule of law and how people feel their countries view rule of law around the world.
The Rule of Law Index is a Major Resource
WJP has been tracking Rule of Law around the world since 2008.
The October release of the 2022 WJP Rule of Law Index was announced this September. Earlier reports are available at the WJP website, and the organization hopes these reports can be used as a tool for change.
To build the Index, WJP sent questions to thousands of households and legal professionals from countries worldwide. In the past, the Index has had an interactive website and extensive report. The index will be launched on October 26, and you can register to join the online event.
NWC Celebrates Efforts to Measure Rule of Law
Rule of Law can impact a whistleblowers decision to blow the whistle. This information is important to understand, and NWC is proud to have presented at the World Justice Forum. Further, through its work with whistleblowers NWC fights to protect the right to speak up and hold everyone equally accountable under the law. Please consider donating today.
