BackOn the occasion of International Whistleblowers Day 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Mauritius joins its international counterparts - including the International Ombudsman Institute, the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association, and the Association des Ombudsman et Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF) - in commemorating this important day dedicated to integrity, courage, and public interest.
The Office recognizes that ‘Whistleblowing’ plays a vital role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability. It enables individuals to come forward with credible and relevant information that can expose wrongdoing, prevent harm, and uphold the public trust.
The Office of the Ombudsman takes this opportunity to provide guidance on the proper framework for disclosures, particularly under the Financial Crimes Commission Act and the Declaration of Assets Act. Reports should concern actions or omissions that constitute offences under these laws and that are harmful to the general public interest. Disclosures should not be made for routine administrative errors or personal grievances within a public or private organisation.
It is important to underline that whistleblowing must comply with existing legal boundaries. Information protected by law—such as matters of national defence, medical confidentiality, legal professional privilege, and confidential judicial proceedings—must not be disclosed. Any breach of these protections may result in criminal liability.
Additionally, a whistleblower must act in good faith, derive no direct financial gain, and hold a reasonable belief in the truth of the facts being reported, based on information personally known to him/her.
The Government of Mauritius should be commended for its efforts in putting in place a robust legal framework under the Financial Crimes Commission Act that safeguards informers and witnesses. The Act offers immunity from civil and criminal liability for protected disclosures and criminalises acts of retaliation against whistleblowers.
Moreover, the Office of the Ombudsman reaffirms its commitment to honour the Declaration on the Protection of Whistleblowers, adopted by the Association des Ombudsman et Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF) in October 2024. This declaration recognises the essential role played by whistleblowers in defending the rule of law and public interest, and calls upon all Ombudsman institutions to support and protect those who report wrongdoings. The Office fully supports this initiative and continues to advocate for safe, accessible, and effective whistleblowing mechanisms in Mauritius.
As Ombudsman, constitutionally mandated to promote sound public administration and transparency, I take all disclosures made in good faith—whether anonymous or identified—very seriously. Every credible complaint is an opportunity to strengthen the mechanisms of public accountability and uphold administrative justice.
While acknowledging the significant progress already made, I express my wish for the Government of Mauritius to further extend the protection of whistleblowers to cover additional offences, including those that endanger public health, safety, or the environment, as well as violations under other applicable laws such as the Local Government Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and international commitments ratified by the Republic of Mauritius.
On this International Whistleblowers Day, let us renew our shared commitment to uphold integrity, defend those who speak out in the public interest, and work together towards a more transparent, fair, and accountable society.
Harry Ganoo, G.O.S.K.
Ombudsman
Source: Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Mauritius
