7. Protection Measures and Support for Whistleblowers

7.4. Support measures for whistleblowers

Support for whistleblowers can be provided by several actors. If adverse consequences are connected to employment relationships, public service or other civil law relationships, remedies are applied according to the relevant legal framework. The State Labour Inspectorate provides consultations on remedies available to whistleblowers and related persons in matters concerning employment relationships and occupational safety.

Associations, foundations and trade unions may also provide consultations to their members or to persons whose interests they represent. Civil society organisations can play a role as well. Transparency International Latvia, known as Delna, has its Whistleblower's center, which manages the online portal celtrauksmi.lv and provides legal support, advocacy and policy expertise in whistleblowing matters. The portal can be used also for submitting reports. 

At institutional level, some support may also be available. Interview data show that psychological support has been arranged in specific cases. Employees in some organisations, such as universities and hospitals, may also have access to general psychological assistance services, which can be used in the context of whistleblowing.

In practice, the most visible and commonly provided form of support appears to be legal consultation. This may be because many whistleblowing contact persons are legal professionals and can provide initial legal guidance. The involvement of non-governmental organisations and trade unions in whistleblower support mechanisms remains weak.