UN
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 CDT 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, including consultants and contractual workers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. They must respect their obligations regarding the United Nations standards of conduct as set out under the Staff Rules and Regulations, contractual arrangements with the United Nations, 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.
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, the House Rules of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Somalia for Security and Conduct of persons residing within UN compounds in Somalia 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 UNSOS Conduct and Discipline Team: unsos-unsom-cdo@un.org
Or through the secure online reporting form on the CDT website here: https://conduct.unmissions.org/report-now
