The 'ADB Whistleblower and Witness Protection' provisions improve access to information about how both ADB staff and those outside ADB can respond to retaliation that is due to their reports of violations or misconduct.

The new internal regulations also specify the measures that ADB will take to avoid or to counter any threats to those who have provided information on misconduct and require ADB to keep the identity of the whistleblower confidential, unless the whistleblower opts for a waiver.

'ADB does not tolerate corruption in any form. By improving the information and protections available to whistleblowers and others who also provide evidence of misconduct, ADB is strengthening its ongoing efforts to combat fraud and corruption,' said Peter E. Pedersen, head of ADB's Office of Anticorruption and Integrity.

'At the same time, individuals who come forward with information will receive protection from any retaliation due to their decision to report that information,' said Robert Siy, Director of the human resources division of ADB's Budget, Personnel, and Management Systems Department.

The new provisions were finalized following extensive consultations with experts within and outside ADB and after draft provisions were made available for public comment for a three-month period last year. The new provisions are available on the ADB website.#