Standing Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu has signed a new Politburo regulation outlining protections for individuals fighting against corruption, wastefulness, and misconduct.

Under the regulation, whistleblowers and their families will be safeguarded, ensuring the confidentiality of their identities and personal information, as well as their safety, health, assets, dignity, and professional positions. They are entitled to protection of their legal rights and interests according to the law.

Anti-corruption whistleblowers have the right to be informed about protective measures, as well as their rights and obligations under the regulation.

Comprehensive protection and legal compensation

Whistleblowers may request changes, additions, or termination of protective measures. They may also refuse protective measures and claim compensation if a failure or delay in implementing necessary protections results in harm to their life, health, property, or mental well-being.

The Politburo regulation also defines the responsibilities of anti-corruption whistleblowers. They must act in compliance with legal provisions and ensure that their actions do not infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of organizations or individuals.

A key principle of the regulation is the prevention, detection, and strict handling of threats, retaliation, or suppression of whistleblowers. At the same time, it prohibits the misuse of anti-corruption efforts for false accusations or internal disruption.

Whistleblowers are required to cooperate with authorized agencies by providing necessary information and documents. They must also ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of their claims and provide supporting evidence if they report threats or retaliatory actions.

Additionally, whistleblowers must accept the final resolution from competent authorities regarding their cases.

The Politburo regulation also outlines the responsibilities of party committees, organizations, and leaders in protecting anti-corruption advocates. Leaders are required to be exemplary, fair, and proactive in safeguarding whistleblowers and combating any acts of protectionism or cover-ups of corruption. They will be held accountable for violations occurring within their organizations.

Strict prohibition of retaliation and forced transfers

The Politburo strictly prohibits any form of violence, pressure, defamation, isolation, or infringement upon the rights and interests of whistleblowers and their families.

Retaliation, including direct threats or using intermediaries to intimidate or harm whistleblowers, is explicitly banned. Discriminatory treatment in personnel decisions, such as unfair evaluations, imposed criteria, or obstructing promotions and rewards, is also prohibited.

Furthermore, the regulation forbids the forced reassignment or transfer of whistleblowers while their cases are under investigation. Any organization or leader responsible for such actions will be subject to disciplinary measures.

Individuals who misuse anti-corruption efforts for false accusations or internal conflicts will be subject to disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or criminal prosecution, depending on the severity of their actions.

The Politburo also prohibits obstruction of legal processes, such as withholding or destroying evidence, delaying investigations, or failing to remove biased officials from protective duties.

Circumstances under which protection may be denied or terminated

The whistleblower formally requests termination of protection, refuses to cooperate with authorities, or fails to fulfill obligations under the regulation.

The allegations have been verified by competent authorities and found to be baseless or false.

The grounds for implementing protection measures no longer exist.

Other cases as specified by the Party and state laws.

Thu Hang