Reporting Misconduct – Fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse

All UNHCR and partner services, including any assistance from UNHCR or its partners, are free of charge. Fraud, corruption and sexual exploitation and abuse are considered misconduct, whether by UNHCR personnel or partner staff.

Misconduct occurs when a humanitarian worker behaves unethically, abusing its position to obtain personal benefit. Possible misconduct can include:

  • Sexual exploitation and abuse of people of concern;
  • Fraud (e.g. falsifying a document);
  • Corruption (e.g. taking money from refugees or others);
  • Assault, threats or retaliation;
  • Non-compliance with local laws.

Protection from Fraud

  • Do not trust anyone or any organization asking you to pay for the services of UNHCR or its partners, as they are free of charge. Be aware that any UNHCR and partners’ services offered to you in exchange for money or other favours are fraudulent acts.
  • Ask to see official ID cards of people claiming to be UNHCR, its partners or other service providers before sharing your personal information, UNHCR documents, and other identification documents.
  • Be alert that those taking advantage of your situation may show you false documents to persuade you that they are connected to UNHCR, its partners or other agency.
  • Report if someone is offering you issuance of documents, financial or other kinds of assistance from UNHCR and/or its partners in exchange for money or other favours. These offers may be made to you in person, by phone, or via social media, including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter.
  • Remember that all services provided by UNHCR and its partners are free of charge.

What is sexual exploitation and abuse?

  • What is sexual exploitation? 

Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes.

  • What is sexual abuse? 

Any actual or threatened sexual activity carried out by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Sexual exploitation and abuse can happen to anyone—men, women, boys, and girls—at any age or circumstance.

Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse

In line with United Nations standards of conduct, UNHCR staff members and NGO partners must not:

  • Have sexual activity with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services
  • Have sexual activity with any child under the age of 18 years old
  • Engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading, or exploitative behaviour.

Report suspected sexual exploitation and abuse, or misconduct/fraud

Sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable behaviours and prohibited by all United Nations and NGO partners’ staff.  All reports will be treated with discretion and be kept strictly confidential.

If you are aware of or have concerns or suspicions about a possible case of sexual exploitation and abuse by a UNHCR, UN, or NGO staff member, you can  report directly to UNHCR by:

In your report, you should include:

  • What happened?
    • Describe in detail what you know about the incident or incidents.
  • Who committed the alleged wrongdoing?
    • Do you know if anyone else was involved? Please provide full names, job titles and organization, if possible.
  • When and where did the incident or incidents occur?
    • Include dates and times, if possible.

IMPORTANT:

  • Anonymous complaints cannot be investigated.
  • All information provided to UNHCR is kept confidential.