In support of Tonga’s efforts to strengthen its integrity system, the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) and the UNDP Pacific Office convened a technical exchange on 17 April as part of the SDG Partnership on Whistleblower Protection. The event brought together the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Tonga Anti-Corruption Commission (TACC).

Through the SDG Partnership, USPC’s flagship initiative, USPC works closely with the UNDP Pacific Office to support Tonga and Vanuatu in advancing whistleblower protection mechanisms as part of broader efforts to strengthen integrity systems. Pacific Island Countries have been taking significant steps forward in this area. For instance, the Government of Tonga enacted its Whistleblower Protection Act in 2025, while Vanuatu is progressing discussion on strengthening its draft legislative framework. These developments reflect a growing commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks, with continued efforts focused on enhancing implementation, procedural development and capacity building.

Drawing on the ROK’s experience, Tonga and Vanuatu are working to strengthen whistleblower protection systems in ways that are adapted to their national contexts. Against this backdrop, the technical exchange offered an opportunity for practical knowledge sharing between the ACRC and TACC, supporting ongoing collaboration and peer learning.

Chris LaHatte, Commissioner of TACC, opened the meeting by expressing his interest in learning from Korea’s experience in whistleblower protection. Echoing this sentiment, Min Ah Hwang, Director of the International Relations Division at the ACRC, underscored the importance of whistleblowing as a “critical pillar” in building a transparent and accountable society.

The exchange featured a presentation by ACRC on the ROK’s legal and operational approaches to safe reporting and case handling, including the Clean Portal, an integrated platform supporting confidential reporting, protection measures and incentive mechanisms for whistleblowers.

An interactive dialogue followed, providing a platform for participants to explore how Korea’s experience in strengthening whistleblower protection systems could be adapted to the Tongan context as the country moves from legislation to implementation. Key areas of interest included measures inspired by ACRC’s case management procedures, confidentiality guarantees, and comprehensive compensation and reward systems. Participants also discussed pathways for sustainable localization, highlighting the importance of capacity development, institutional coordination, and continued awareness-raising within the public sector.

USPC, in collaboration with ACRC, will continue to support Tonga and Vanuatu in advancing whistleblower protection frameworks, contributing to strengthened governance, enhanced accountability, and increased public trust in institutions.