Report fraud, misconduct and sexual abuse

UNHCR does not tolerate fraud, misconduct, or sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). If you have seen or experienced any of these involving UNHCR staff, partners, or service providers, you have the right to report it.

We take all reports seriously and treat them with confidentiality. While our ability to act may vary depending on who is involved (e.g., staff, partners, external actors), we will always review your report and take appropriate steps.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

What is sexual exploitation?

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

What is sexual abuse? It is any actual or threatened sexual activity carried out by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

In line with the United Nations standards of conduct, the staff members of UNHCR and I-NGO 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 years old,

Engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading, or exploitative behaviour.

Reports on SEA should be made to the IGO at [email protected]  using the prescribed form, available at www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php.

Fraud, corruption or Misconduct

What is fraud? Any act or omission, including misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact, that knowingly or intentionally misleads, or attempts to mislead, a party to obtain a benefit, whether directly or indirectly, whether for oneself or for a third party.

What is misconduct? Misconduct is defined as the failure by a staff member to abide by these rules and regulations. The United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations bind all UNHCR staff members. Misconduct can be classified into various types.

• Embezzlement and procurement fraud
  • Financial negligence resulting in substantial losses.
  • Sexual exploitation and abuse
  • Harassment (including mobbing)
  • Assault, threats or retaliation
  • Unlawful acts (e.g. theft or fraud) on or off UN premises
  • Misrepresentation or false certification relating to a claim or benefit.
  • Misuse of the Organisation’s equipment or assets
  • Abuse of authority
  • Non-compliance with local laws or the staff’s personal legal obligations.

What is corruption?

It is offering, giving, receiving or soliciting (directly or indirectly) anything of value to influence the actions of another party improperly.

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE: All services provided by UNHCR, NCFRMI and its partners are provided free of charge.  No refugee or asylum seeker should be asked to pay for any services provided by UNHCR. Beware that any person who claims that he/she is able to provide you with special treatment may be trying to exploit you.  Any person who demands any financial or other benefit from a refugee or asylum seeker to access UNHCR facilities should be reported immediately. These persons will be subject to disciplinary action, which, in the case of UNHCR or partner staff, includes termination of employment and referral to the Government of Nigeria for possible criminal investigation. 

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRIBE AN OFFICIAL: Do not attempt to bribe any person for any services provided by UNHCR or its partners.  If you do so, you may face consequences that include denial of services and, possibly, criminal investigation.

ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH: Remain truthful when talking to UNHCR and partners. Any mispresented information may lead to negative consequences for you, including a denial of services or protection and possibly a criminal investigation. If you have previously made false statements, you should alert a staff member as soon as possible and explain the circumstances fully.

FRAUD, CORRUPTION AND EXPLOITATION AFFECT EVERYONE: Fraud, corruption and exploitation, whether committed by UNHCR/partner officials or asylum seekers/refugees/IDPs/Returnees, can have a significant impact on the availability of services provided by UNHCR and partners and result in significant delays in finding appropriate solutions, including in third countries.

REPORT FRAUD OF REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS?

You should report any fraud or corruption by refugees and asylum seekers that you observe through the complaint mechanisms mentioned below. All reports will be processed confidentially.

Report on suspected fraud, bribery, or corruption by refugees or asylum seekers should be made by sending emails at [email protected]. Or letters can be sent to the UNHCR Representative.

In addition, complaints can be lodged by dropping off complaints in the complaint boxes in UNHCR offices (Abuja and Lagos) and field offices (Maiduguri, Makurdi, Calabar, Ogoja, Yola, etc).

When reporting the complaint/allegations, it is encouraged to provide the following possible information:

• Who committed the alleged wrongdoing? (names, title, office, case/household number for refugees)
• When and where did the incident(s) occur? (date/time, locations)
• What happened? (Description of the allegation and/or complaint in detail)
• If possible, why did it happen?
• Identity of the informant (if the informant wishes, then name, case/household number, address, mobile number)

All complaints are treated confidentially for your own protection. In making your complaint, provide all the information that you believe is relevant. Anonymous complaints are accepted, but without adequate information on the incident, the issue might not be addressed efficiently.

UNHCR ensures that there is no adverse effect on your legal status, service or assistance if you reported fraud, bribery or corruption, unless you have reported a malicious or fraudulent complaint.

REPORT FRAUD, CORRUPTION AND EXPLOITATION BY OFFICIALS?

You should report any fraud, corruption, or exploitation by staff members of UNHCR or its Partners that you observe. We have robust procedures to prevent fraud and corruption and to investigate and act against fraudulent and corrupt persons. If you wish to report improper conduct (including corruption, fraud, bribery, exploitation, extortion, etc.) by UNHCR or other officials, contact:

Reports on fraud, bribery, corruption, misconduct by members of the personnel of UNHCR or its Partners should be made to the Office of the Inspector General (IGO) at [email protected], using the prescribed form, available at www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php.   

Do not put yourself in danger by trying to do your own investigations. Reporting fraud and corruption is an obligation for all refugees and asylum seekers and will not result in you receiving any direct reward or special treatment.