How to report misconduct by a UNHCR, United Nations or associated worker
UNHCR provides a trusted, respectful and inclusive environment where the people we serve should feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up for themselves and others and to take robust and visible action, as appropriate, to eradicate misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse by UN workers.
Anyone having concerns or suspicions about possible misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse by a UNHCR staff member, United Nations staff member, or anyone with a contractual link to the United Nations (for example, NGO staff), regardless of that person’s position, should report such concerns.
What is misconduct?
All UN staff members are bound by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. Misconduct is defined as the failure by a staff member to abide by these rules and regulations.
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);
- Theft and embezzlement (e.g. stealing equipment or money);
- Harassment;
- Assault, threats or retaliation;
- Acts or behaviour that would discredit UNHCR;
- Non-compliance with local laws.
What is sexual exploitation and abuse?
Our position is clear, and has been reiterated on a number of occasions by our High Sexual exploitation and abuse occur when humanitarian workers abuse their positions of power or the trust of refugees, asylum seekers, or migrants to obtain sexual relations or favors.
Offering money, shelter, food, or other goods or services to anyone in a vulnerable situation in exchange for sexual relations or sexual favors is sexual exploitation.
The threat, use of force, or intimidation to engage in sexual relations or to obtain sexual favors from anyone in a position of unequal power is sexual abuse.
How to report misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers?
You have the right to file a complaint or report in person, anonymously, or on behalf of another person.
Τo report any incident related to sexual exploitation and abuse to UNHCR Greece, please send an email to [email protected].
Reports of misconduct by a UNHCR staff member, United Nations staff member, or anyone with a contractual link to the United Nations (for example, NGO staff), can also be made directly to the UNHCR’s Inspector General’s Office (IGO).
Strict confidentiality standards as well as other standards and procedural safeguards apply to investigations conducted by the Inspector General’s Office. The IGO safeguards the confidentiality of the identity of the person from whom or the entity from which it receives a report of possible misconduct.
Confidential email: Email IGO
By using the Online Complaint Form
- Important note before sending a complaint:
The Investigation Service of the IGO does not have the authority to deal with protection/assistance related requests. This means that the IGO cannot review individual refugee claims, cannot provide individuals with assistance (in kind or in cash), and cannot provide applicants with a durable solution. For these matters, please contact the UNHCR Office where you are registered or closest to where you are located.
Additional Information
Further information on how to report misconduct and the role of the Inspector General’s Office may be found here.
Further information on reporting sexual exploitation and abuse and the role of the Inspector General’s Office may be found here.