Paris – 28.05.2026: In 2025, the Human Rights Defender, Claire Hédon, recorded a dramatic increase in reports from whistleblowers. While until 2020 approximately 80 such reports were received annually, the number exceeded 900 for the first time in the past year. This development reflects growing confidence in the institution, which has played a central role in the protection of whistleblowers since its establishment in 2011.
The rise in reports is part of a broader trend. In total, the Human Rights Defender registered 165,011 complaints, information, and referrals in 2025, representing an increase of 17% compared to 2024 and nearly 70% compared to 2020. This trend indicates increasing awareness among citizens of their rights and the importance of whistleblowing.
In light of this development, Claire Hédon emphasized the need for more state support. She called for an increase in financial resources to meet the rising demands and effectively ensure the protection of whistleblowers. This demand is consistent with previous calls by Hédon, who has repeatedly pointed out structural deficiencies in the protection of whistleblowers.
The Human Rights Defender has on multiple occasions highlighted the importance of whistleblowing for exposing misconduct. She emphasized that whistleblowers often make crucial contributions to revealing corruption and other illegal practices. However, she also pointed to the challenges faced by whistleblowers, including possible professional and personal consequences.
The demand for more resources for the Human Rights Defender is not new. Previously, Hédon has pointed out the necessity for better equipment of her institution to meet the increased demands. She stressed that effective defense of citizens’ rights is only possible with sufficient resources.
The current situation underscores the importance of continued support and strengthening of the institutions charged with protecting civil rights. Given the increasing number of reports and associated challenges, adequate funding is essential to meet the growing demands and effectively ensure the protection of whistleblowers.
All in all, the developments in 2025 demonstrate that awareness of the importance of whistleblowing is growing and that citizens are increasingly willing to report misconduct. However, this also brings higher demands for the institutions responsible for the protection of these whistleblowers. Adequate funding and support are therefore crucial to meet the increased requirements and effectively safeguard civil rights.
The Human Rights Defender thus faces the challenge of adjusting its resources accordingly, so that it can meet the increased demands and effectively guarantee the protection of whistleblowers in the future.