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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

Any violation of a law, internal rule or individual obligation can cause harm – to people outside the company, to a GIZ employee or to 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 whistleblowing system is a vital early warning system and enables the company to identify potential grievances and initiate effective countermeasures. The objective is to avert or minimise potential harm, within or outside the company, resulting from the misconduct of individuals or from errors in the system, as early as possible.

Whistleblowing - how you can provide a report

We encourage everyone to report any violation of law or rule-breaking that is relevant to the work of GIZ. To facilitate this, GIZ has set up a comprehensive whistleblowing 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. 

Reports can  be submitted in various ways anonymously or by name. GIZ provides independent contact persons who are not subject to instructions. These compliance officers are obliged to be objective and confidential.

The following reporting channels are available to you:

› Reporting via the whistleblower portal

The whistleblower portal is available worldwide, around the clock and in several languages. Information can be communicated anonymously in keeping with the highest security standards, and you do not need to leave an email address or telephone number.

Go to the whistleblower portal

› Email to Compliance and Integrity Advisory Services

Justified suspicions of compliance 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

If you have information or complaints about discrimination and sexual misconduct, you can also send an email to the complaints office for allegations against the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).

@email

› Reporting to the external ombudsperson

An external ombudsperson is available as a whistleblowing contact outside the company. By virtue of his/her role as a legal professional, the external ombudsperson is subject to strict confidentiality in all dealings with GIZ and confidentially receives information on legal and regulatory violations. The external ombudsperson will contact the company and communicate the evidence to GIZ only with prior approval from the whistleblower. It is also possible to contact the ombudsperson anonymously, if required:

Externe Ombudsperson der GIZ:
Rechtsanwalt Edgar Joussen

Bleibtreustr. 1
10623 BERLIN
DEUTSCHLAND

Tel: +49 30 3151870
Email: @email 
Internet: 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 to help them describe the issue on which they wish to report:  

  • What kind of violation/breach has taken place?
  • How was it perpetrated?
  • Who was responsible (person(s), name of company/companies)?
  • Where did the incident take place (project name, place, country)?
  • When did the incident take place (time, date)?
  • What proof/indication is there to support your assertion?
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