How to report fraud and misconduct?

The United Nations defines misconduct as “any failure by a staff member to comply with his or her obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules or other administrative issuances, or to observe the United Nations Standards of Conduct expected of an international civil servant.”

Possible misconduct can include:

• sexual exploitation and abuse of refugees or others
• fraud (for example, falsifying a document to obtain a benefit)
• corruption (for example, taking money from refugees or others)
• Theft and embezzlement (e.g. stealing equipment or money).
• Workplace harassment (e.g. treating staff members in an unfair manner).
• Sexual harassment (e.g. unwelcome sexual behaviour).
• Abuse of authority (e.g. showing favouritism or discrimination against staff).
• Assault upon or threats to others.
• Misuse of UNHCR assets.
• Breach of confidentiality.
• Acts or behaviour that would discredit UNHCR.
• Non-compliance with local laws.
• Conflict of interest.
• Abuse of privileges and immunities.
• Gross negligence.
• Unauthorized outside activities or employment.

Humanitarian workers are not allowed to have sexual relationships with anyone under the age of 18, even if it is legal in their country. Saying they did not know the person’s true age is not a valid excuse.

Humanitarian workers are not allowed to pay for sex with money, employment, goods or services – including goods and services intended to aid people in need. They must not use promises of these things to make other people accept any kind of behaviour that humiliates or exploits them. This includes paying or offering money for sex with a prostitute.

Humanitarian workers have influence over who receives goods and services. This places them in a position of power in relation to people who need assistance. For that reason, humanitarian organizations strongly encourage staff not to have sexual relationships with anyone affected by a humanitarian emergency. Such relationships make humanitarian action seem less honest and credible.