Complaints about UNHCR & partners

All UNHCR Services are Free of Charge

There is no charge for any service provided by UNHCR, whether directly or through its implementing partners.

An asylum seeker or a refugee must not attempt under any circumstances to bribe any person working for UNHCR or its implementing partners in any capacity. Any person, claiming to be able to help an asylum seeker or a refugee to receive a UNHCR service for money or favours should be reported to UNHCR.

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 are sexual exploitation and abuse?

Sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable behaviours and prohibited for all United Nations and NGO partners’ staff members. Your report will be treated with discretion and be kept strictly confidential.

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, regardless of their gender, and age, and in any 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.

How to report misconduct, suspected sexual exploitation and abuse?

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

  • UNHCR Malta:
  • UNHCR Inspector General Office:

    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 organisation, if possible.
    • When and where did the incident or incidents occur?
      • Please include dates and times, if possible.

    Your report will be treated with discretion and kept strictly confidential.

Note: Please mark all mail and email as CONFIDENTIAL

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