Conduct and Discipline

UNDOF Position

 

Under an integrated framework, the Regional Conduct and Discipline Section (RCDS) based in Naqoura, Lebanon, provides support to peacekeeping operations (UNIFIL, UNDOF, UNFYCIP, UNTSO), political missions (UNSCOL, UNSCO, UNSMIL and OSESGY/UNSMHA) and to the United Nations Global Service Center(UNGSC) on conduct and discipline matters involving all personnel operating in the United Nations. RCDS act as entities focal point on all misconduct matters.

RCDS provides advice on all aspects of the implementation of the three-pronged strategy of PreventionEnforcement and Remedial Action, and assists in addressing misconduct matters including for the implementation of the SG’s Zero Tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harrasment, as well as other forms of misconduct. 

 

UN Standards of Conduct

Code of Conduct

All documents relating to Conduct in Field Missions can be found here.

UN Standards of Conduct are based on three key principles:

  1. Highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
  2. Zero Tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment.
  3. Accountability of those in command who fail to enforce the Standards of Conduct.

What is Misconduct?

UN rules define misconduct as failure to comply with obligations under the United Nations Charter, the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, or other relevant administrative issuances or policy documents developed for specific categories of personnel. Misconduct can also result from failure to observe the standards of conduct expected of an international civil servant. In response, the UN and Member States ensure that all credible allegations of misconduct are investigated and that appropriate action is taken when allegations are substantiated. Authority for addressing matters of criminal or civil accountability rests with Member States, and the UN will refer such matters to Member States for action.

Misconduct may lead to the institution of a disciplinary process and the imposition of disciplinary measures. Similar provisions apply to all other categories of UN peacekeeping personnel.

What is Sexual Exploitation and Abuse?

Sexual Exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

Sexual Abuse is the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

 

Reporting Misconduct

How to report acts of misconduct

All UN personnel have the duty to report all allegations of misconduct that they become aware of or suspect. NON UN personnel may also make complaints to the Regional Conduct & Discipline Section (RCDS).

Allegations of serious misconduct including allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) 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.

Other misconduct should be reported within 7 days of its occurrence or within 7 days of any UN personnel becoming aware of an incident.

All information is treated confidentially with due consideration for the safety and security of the parties involved.

Anyone can send their complaints to RCDS by:

  • Email:             unifil-cdu@un.org
  • Tel:                  +961 1 92 6215/6/7/8/9 and +961 1 92 6221
  • Mobile:           +96178986648  / +96170915005
  • Postal:            Regional Conduct & Discipline Section, Naqoura, Lebanon

Allegations of misconduct may also be reported directly to the Investigation Division of the Office for Internal Oversight Services (ID/OIOS) at https://oios.un.org/report-wrongdoing

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.

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.

 

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