At the heart of recent history, emerges the emblematic figure of Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, who profoundly marked his time by bringing to light thousands of classified documents from various governments around the world. His fight for freedom of information and the public’s right to access information crucial to democracy has earned him a prominent place among renowned whistleblowers.
The term “whistleblower”, popularized in recent years, cannot be dissociated from people such as Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Indeed, it was the humanitarian and altruistic vision of this Swiss businessman, a distraught witness to the horrors of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, which gave rise to the birth of one of the most respected organizations in the field of humanitarian assistance.
In a more contemporary context, the courage and unfailing commitment of Gareth Jones, a Welsh journalist, made it possible to reveal to the whole world the extent of the famine organized in Ukraine by Stalin’s Soviet regime. By risking his life to report on the suffering and plight of the Ukrainian people, Jones embodied the media’s essential role in exposing injustices and protecting vulnerable populations.
Also forever inscribed in the dark pages of History, the name of Jan Karski resonates as that of an undeniable witness to the horror of the Shoah. Hero of the Polish resistance, he tried, in vain, to alert the Allies about the genocide of the Jews committed by the Nazis during the Second World War. His moving and poignant testimony reminds us of everyone’s responsibility in the face of crimes against humanity and the absolute necessity of never remaining silent in the face of injustice.
Over the decades, these whistleblowers have defied pressure, criticism and sometimes even persecution to defend values essential to the balance of our societies. Their fight, sometimes solitary, resonates as a call for vigilance, solidarity and commitment to truth and justice. By honoring their courage and determination, we recognize the critical importance of protecting those who dare to give voice to those who are silenced.