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Whistleblowing

Sharing information about misconduct means taking responsibility – for people, projects and the integrity of the organisation. GIZ takes this information seriously and offers secure, confidential channels for passing it on. 

Why whistleblowing is important

Violations of applicable legislation, internal rules and voluntary commitments can result in damage – for the external parties concerned, individual employees or for GIZ as a company. That’s why we rely on every single individual who becomes aware of wrongdoing – and has the courage to speak up. 

GIZ’s whistleblower system serves as an important early warning system for identifying wrongdoing and initiating effective countermeasures. The aim is to avert or minimise potential damage within and outside of the company at an early stage. It is irrelevant whether this damage is caused by the misconduct of individuals or by errors in the system.  

Whistleblowing

We encourage everyone to report any indications of legal or regulatory violations relating to GIZ’s work. For this purpose, GIZ has set up an extensive whistleblower system. The following matters in particular can be reported there: 

  • Corruption and bribery
  • Embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Sexual misconduct and sexual exploitation
  • Human rights violations
  • Violations of environmental obligations (violations of environmental law) 

GIZ investigates all reported indications of violations and ensures consistent and fair clarification. A standardised and transparent processing procedure with feedback deadlines has been developed for this purpose. GIZ also does all it can to ensure there are no negative repercussions for the whistleblower, as long as the information submitted is justified. 

Whistleblowers can submit reports anonymously or with their name in various ways, around the clock and worldwide. GIZ provides independent contact persons who are not bound by instructions. These compliance officers are obligated to maintain objectivity and confidentiality. 

The following reporting channels are available to you:

› Reporting via the external whistleblower portal

The online portal can be used worldwide, around the clock and in multiple languages. It enables anonymous submission of reports and communication takes place in accordance with the highest security standards, even without providing email addresses or telephone numbers.

Go to the whistleblower portal

› Email to Compliance and Integrity Advisory Services

Justified suspicions of legal and regulatory violations relating to GIZ’s work can also be sent directly to GIZ’s Compliance and Integrity Advisory Services.

@email

› Email to the AGG complaints committee

You can also send a confidential email to the complaints committee for allegations against the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) – for example, if your report concerns information or complaints relating to discrimination and sexual misconduct.

@email

› Reporting to the external ombudsman

An external ombudsman is available as a point of contact outside the company. They are obligated to maintain confidentiality vis-à-vis the company by virtue of their role as a lawyer and collect confidential evidence of compliance violations. They will contact the company and communicate the evidence to GIZ only with prior approval from the whistleblower. It is also possible to contact the ombudsman anonymously, if required:

Edgar Joussen
Email: @email 
Tel: +49 30 3151870

Post: 
Dr Edgar Joussen
Bleibtreustraße 1
D-10623 Berlin

www.ra-js.de

Tips for whistleblowing

In order for us to follow up whistleblower reports carefully, it helps if the description of the incident is as specific and comprehensible as possible. Whistleblowers can use the following questions as a guide when explaining their report:  

  • What kind of violation has taken place?
  • How was the violation committed?
  • Who committed the violation (persons, company names)?
  • Where did the incident take place (project name, location, country)?
  • When did the violation take place (time, date)?
  • What evidence/indications are there for the violation?
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