All UNHCR and partner services are free of charge.
Do not trust anyone or any organization asking you to pay for the services of UNHCR or its partners. If money or any other form of favours, including of a sexual nature, is requested from you, in exchange for UNHCR and partner services, please report it to UNHCR, RRS, other partners and/or the nearest Police station immediately.
Sexual exploitation and abuse is unacceptable behaviour and is prohibited for all United Nations and partner staff members.
What is sexual exploitation?
It is any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
What is sexual abuse?
It is any actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Sexual exploitation and abuse can happen to anyone—men, women, boys, and girls—at any age, and in any circumstance.
In line with the United Nations standards of conduct, the staff members of UNHCR and partners must not:
- Have sexual activity with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services,
- Have sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18,
- Engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour.
Report any allegation of sexual exploitation and abuse committed against you or another person.
What should I include in my complaint?
- What happened? Describe in detail what you know about the incident(s).
- Who committed the alleged wrongdoing? Please provide full names, job titles and organization, if possible.
- When and where did the incident(s) occur? Please include dates and times, if possible.
Where can I report?
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 confidentially report any violation of this:
Directly to UNHCR through:
- Protection Desks (available in each camp)
- A UNHCR or partner protection staff
- Suggestion Boxes – UNHCR or partner suggestion boxes.
- Helpdesk – Run by UNHCR (Addis/Assosa) or partners.
- Digital Response and Complaint System (DRCS)
- To the Inspector General’s Office (IGO)
To report fraud, corruption, sexual abuse or exploitation, or other misconduct, contact UNHCR Inspector General Office:
- By confidential email: [email protected]
- By using the online complaint form
- By post: Rue de Montbrillant 94, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
I am afraid of getting into trouble with a UN or partner staff if I report them.
The identity of persons who make reports of SEA are not shared with the subject of the allegation. UNHCR and partners prioritise the safety of SEA victims and witnesses who make reports in good faith.
What happens after I report?
UNHCR or the partner concerned will start the investigation. You may be requested to give further information to support the investigation.
REMEMBER:
- Your report will be treated with discretion and kept strictly confidential.
- Any assistance provided to you by UNHCR or its partners is free of charge.
