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In last week’s Sunday Read, we mentioned how the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) and International Whistleblower Advocates (IWA) will jointly present a complimentary webinar on November 18, “How NGOs and Journalists Can Use Transnational Whistleblower Laws to Combat or Expose Corruption.”
This event is notable not just because it addresses a key global risk, but because it marks IWA’s public debut and the launch of its site, whistle-blower.com.
In this Sunday Read, we will discuss the similarities and even some differences between the two groups and why International Whistleblower Advocates has emerged at a pivotal moment in the global fight against corruption, fraud and abuse.
Understanding the IWA and Its Mission
As noted during National Whistleblower Day events and ahead of the 11th Session of the Conference of the State Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in December, the international community has shown support for continuous, year-round efforts to combat corruption. With its launch, IWA signals a deliberate expansion of whistleblower advocacy beyond U.S. borders — building on the groundwork laid by organizations like the NWC, while placing greater focus on transnational crimes.
At its core, IWA describes itself as an international team of anti-corruption experts and advocates dedicated to supporting whistleblowers worldwide via main pillars, such as:
- Bridging the knowledge gap and activating strong laws;
- Pro bono legal representation that focuses on individual freedoms and protections;
- Building international alliances.
IWA believes that the most effective way to enhance anti-corruption laws is to incentivize whistleblower disclosures and to use their information as the foundation for impactful prosecutions while protecting their rights.
Furthermore, the IWA’s newly launched website highlights the diversity of issues under its banner — from foreign bribery, money-laundering and tax evasion to bank secrecy, commodities fraud and international sanctions violations.
Building on NWC Initiatives: IWA’s Broader Scope
For decades, NWC has been a leading nonprofit voice for whistleblower rights in the U.S. Over time, NWC has engaged in legal assistance, policy advocacy – notably in U.S. laws like the Dodd-Frank Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act – and public education on the role of whistleblowers in protecting the rule of law.
IWA shares the same strong foundational belief that whistleblowers are essential to uncovering misconduct, and that they are one of the keys to enforcement of anti-fraud, anti-corruption and accountability regimes. Indeed, NWC’s longstanding work has helped shape how whistleblower programs are viewed and implemented.
However, IWA distinguishes itself in a few important ways — stepping into a more explicitly international arena, leveraging cross-border legal regimes and orchestrating global alliances in a way that supplements and elevates NWC’s domestic-rooted focus.
Global Reach: While NWC has increasingly engaged in global advocacy, for example, by working on EU whistleblower directive issues, IWA positions itself from the start as an organization serving whistleblowers “from any country in the world” and working with state parties, NGOs, law firms and international networks.
Transnational Legal Leverage: IWA puts forward the use of laws that apply across borders — such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-money laundering laws, and Bank Secrecy Act-type provisions. Their site highlights representation of whistleblowers whose disclosures triggered large monetary awards under U.S. laws, but derive from international wrongdoing.
Focus Areas: IWA emphasizes fields of wrongdoing with strong cross-border dimensions: such as offshore tax evasion, international sanctions breaches, and global commodities fraud. While NWC has had campaigns in environmental wrongdoing, wildlife crime, and domestic policy reform, IWA concentrates on those issues where multinational structures and transnational law apply.
Shared Leadership And Continuity
The relationship between IWA and NWC is more than parallel — there is leadership overlap, signaling continuity in their mission.
For instance, Stephen M. Kohn of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto is also the NWC Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board. He serves as IWA’s Chief Supervising Attorney.
María de los Ángeles Estrada is the IWA’s Senior Counsel for South America and Latin America. A longtime NWC ally and its senior advisor on transnational crime, she has also delivered an address at National Whistleblower Day 2024.
Scott Hajost serves as the IWA International Environment and Conservation Policy Law Expert and Liaison to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He is also the NWC Senior Wildlife and Climate Policy Advisor.
“This shared leadership suggests that IWA benefits from the strategic experience, legal expertise and network that NWC has developed over decades,” said Kohn, who was recently named to Forbes’ annual list of America’s Top Lawyers for the second consecutive year. “The connection helps ensure that the organization is rooted in a proven advocacy tradition.”
Looking Ahead Through a Global Lens
In an era of increasing globalization—where corporations, financial systems and corrupt networks span nations—whistleblowing is no longer confined to one nation or even a geographic area. The IWA’s emergence recognizes that exposing wrongdoing in one country may require legal avenues in another, that protections for whistleblowers may differ substantially across jurisdictions, and that international cooperation is essential.
“For whistleblowers who operate in or against multinational enterprises, or in countries where local protection is weak, the existence of an organization like IWA offers a vital bridge,” said Kohn. “By providing legal support with international reach, and advocating for reasonable award criteria and mandated large civil penalties, IWA will emerge as a leading global support network in whistleblower law.”
Register for the Nov. 18 Webinar: Legal Resources for NGOs and Journalists
On November 18, NWC and IWA will jointly present, “How NGOs and Journalists Can Use Transnational Whistleblower Laws To Combat or Expose Corruption.”
Moderated by award-winning investigative journalist, author, and Confluence Media founder Josy Joseph, this webinar will explain how non-governmental organizations, investigative journalists, human rights defenders, and whistleblowers can confidentially use transnational anti-corruption laws to successfully prosecute corrupt officials and obtain awards in the process.
For Whistleblowers Seeking Representation
The decision to come forward is not one to be taken lightly, nor should selecting a whistleblower lawyer. NWC provides resources that can connect you with the right legal professional prior to taking any action.
Support NWC
NWC works tirelessly to strengthen whistleblower programs and educate the public about their value. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our work relies on donors like you.
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This article was written by Justin Smulison, a professional writer, podcaster, and event host based in New York.
