Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Sexual exploitation and abuse is any actual or attempted abuse of any position of vulnerability, for sexual purposes. Sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable behaviours that are forbidden for any humanitarian worker including United Nations staff and NGO Partners. 

Sexual exploitation and abuse can happen to anyone—men, women, boys, and girls—at any age, with or without a disability, and in any circumstance. 

  • Humanitarian workers are not allowed to have sexual activities with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services, 
  • Humanitarian workers are never allowed to have sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 years old. 

These rules also apply to community members who volunteer in their community with the support of UNHCR or NGO partners, for example, Outreach Volunteers. 

I was requested to give money or make favors in exchange of UNHCR services?

Please remember that all UNHCR 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 favors, including of a sexual nature, is requested from you, in exchange of UNHCR services please report it to UNHCR and/or the nearest police station immediately. Please click here for reporting.

Does UNHCR charge money for documentation, assistance, or services?

All UNHCR services are free of charge. Report fraudsters who are offering you resettlement, financial or other kinds of assistance, fake documents or fake claims in exchange for money or other favors. These offers may be made to you in person or via social media, including Facebook, YouTube, or WhatsApp. Please click here for reporting.

People who tell you such lies are seeking to take advantage of your vulnerable situation and you should always avoid them. They may show you information to persuade you that they are connected to UNHCR. Do not believe them. Those persons are only after your money. Please click here for reporting.

How can I report Fraud or Misconduct?

If you have information about UNHCR staff, or staff of UNHCR partners or contractors, being involved in exploitation (including sexual exploitation) or sexual abuse, you can report it:

You can also report it directly to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at UNHCR Headquarters:

  • By confidential email:  [email protected]
  • By using the online complaint form
  • By post: 94, rue de Montbrillant, Case postale 2500, 1211 GenevaCase Postale 2500, CH-1211 Geneva 2 Depot Switzerland

For more information, you can visit UNHCR – Reporting sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

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Your report will be treated with discretion and kept strictly confidential. For further information, please see the Inspector General Office page.