May 22, 2025
Public Statement on ILOAT Judgement in the case of Dr Franscesco Zambon v. WHO
As organisations committed to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring accountability in international institutions, we — the Whistleblowing International Network, Government Accountability Project, Transparency International, Transparency International Italy, GlobaLeaks, and Whistleblower Aid — express our deep concern and disappointment with the International Labour Organization Administrative Tribunal’s (ILOAT) ruling in Zambon v. WHO (Judgment No. 5000).
The Tribunal’s decision on 6 February 2025 dismissing Dr. Francesco Zambon’s claims of retaliation after his efforts to report inappropriate conduct regarding WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 report reflects a regressive interpretation of whistleblower protections and a disregard for critical international standards. This decision sets a troubling precedent for whistleblower protection across the United Nations common system and risks sending a chilling signal to those who seek to report wrongdoing and protect the public interest.
Case Background
In 2020, Dr. Zambon became a whistleblower during the COVID-19 pandemic, after raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest within the WHO and the suppression of critical public health information. He alleged that WHO withdrew a report he authored, which revealed that Italy’s pandemic preparedness plan had not been updated since 2006, contributing to a chaotic early response to...
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