The Mandate of the Conduct and Discipline Team is derived from the recommendations of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the C - 34 -A/59/19 Rev. 10, which were endorsed by General Assembly Resolution (59/300 of 22 June 2005).

The primary role of the Conduct and Discipline Team is to help ensure the prevention and identification of misconduct as well as to monitor compliance with and enforcement of the UN standards of conduct, using the three-pronged strategy of prevention, enforcement and remedial action.

All United Nations personnel, volunteers and contractual workers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. They must respect their obligations as set out under the Staff Rules and Regulations, comply with local laws and treat the local population with respect and dignity at all times.

All UN personnel must observe the following core values:

·         Integrity;

·         Professionalism;

·         Respect for diversity.

 All UN personnel must also comply with the following responsibilities:

·         Competence;

·         Impartiality;

·         Adherence to highest standards of conduct;

·         Confidentiality;

·         Independence;

·         Respect for fundamental rights

What is Considered ‘Misconduct’?

Violations of Higher Risk to the Organization are classified as Category 1 misconduct and include: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Serious and Complex Fraud, Abuse of Authority and staff, Conflict of Interest, all cases involving risk or loss of life or to others, including witnesses, Substantial violation of UN regulations, rules or Administrative issuances.

Violations of Lower Risk to the organization are classified as Category 2 misconduct and include among others; Personnel Matters (including harassment), Traffic Related offences (e.g. unauthorized passengers), Basic misuse of equipment by staff, Infraction of regulations, rules or administrative issuances, Simple entitlement fraud and others.

Prohibition of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

As per ST/SGB/2003/13 - Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse:

Sexual activity with children (under the age of 18) is prohibited

Exchange of money, employment, goods, assistance or services for sex is prohibited

Use of children or adults to procure sexual services for others is prohibited

The UN maintains a policy of Zero Tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and all UN personnel have a duty to report any concerns regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by a fellow worker through the established reporting mechanisms. Every allegation of SEA activity is investigated, and if substantiated, results in disciplinary measures being imposed (ranging from possible suspension or immediate repatriation to summary dismissal).

Read the UN Fact Sheet on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. 

Reporting

How to report acts of misconduct?

Staff Rule 1.2 (c) provides inter alia that “Staff members have the duty to report any breach of the Organization’s regulations and rules to the officials whose responsibility it is to take appropriate action and to cooperate with duly authorized audits and investigations.” In addition, UNFICYP reminds all UN personnel of their duty to report any allegations of misconduct that they either suspect or become aware of. Complaints may be made by contacting UNFICYP’s Conduct and Discipline Focal Point:

UNFICYP Conduct and Discipline and SEA Focal Points

Phone: +357 2261 4554 or +357 2261 4555 (reachable 24/7)
E-mail: unficyp-cd@un.org

In person/post: Conduct and Discipline Team, Blue Beret Camp, UN Protected Area, Nicosia, Cyprus

Allegations of misconduct may also be reported directly to the Investigation Division of the Office for Internal Oversight Services (ID/OIOS).

All allegations of serious misconduct should be reported within 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident or within 24 hours of any UN personnel member becoming aware of an incident; all other misconduct should be reported within 7 days of its occurrence or within 7 days of any UN personnel becoming aware of an incident.

Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse may also be reported to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Focal Points in the sectors.

All allegations should be reported in good faith. Deliberately making false allegations or reporting allegations with malicious intent, if substantiated, constitute misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action.

All information is treated confidentially while according due process to all parties and taking into consideration, the safety, security and well-being of the parties involved.

To learn more about how and where the UN works towards ensuring that personnel in field missions abide by the highest standards of conduct, who is involved and how to report misconduct, visit the Conduct in UN Field Missions website.