The Disclosure Dilemma: Why International Organisations Hesitate to Publish Investigation Reports

International organisations often champion transparency as a cornerstone of their values, vital for building trust with stakeholders and ensuring accountability. Yet, when it comes to making investigation reports available to the public, especially those addressing serious allegations such as the misuse of funds or sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), many of these same organisations opt out.

Despite the widespread belief that transparency should compel the publication of such reports, the reality is that few organisations do so.

That is because of conflicting interests.

Transparency is fundamental to the credibility of international organisations. By openly sharing the outcomes of investigations, organisations can show they are upholding their mandates and holding individuals accountable. This approach creates trust among stakeholders, including the public, donors, and their own staff. For instance, when serious misconduct allegations arise, there is an expectation that the investigation’s findings will be made public, demonstrating that the organisation is taking the matter seriously and addressing it appropriately.