Conduct and Discipline

Role of the Conduct and Discipline Team in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

As the principal adviser to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), the Conduct and Discipline Team (CDT) is in charge of the management of all conduct and discipline-related issues within the mission and addresses misconduct through the three-pronged strategy set up by the UN: prevention, enforcement and remedial action.

• Prevention of misconduct: CDT promotes awareness of UN standards of conduct using targeted training programs and materials for each category of personnel; raises awareness amongst the host population on the standards of conduct expected of UN personnel as well as the available reporting mechanisms; and also provides training to local NGOs on conduct and discipline-related issues.
• Enforcement: CDT receives reports on all types of alleged misconduct involving UN personnel, including sexual exploitation and abuse; channels the reports to the appropriate investigative bodies; provides advice and maintains a database to facilitate the monitoring of outcomes of investigations and general case management.
• Remedial action: CDT ensures that victims, mostly related to sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN personnel, receive basic assistance and emergency support (medical, psychological, legal etc.) even before an investigation is initiated. Idem when the cases are substantiated.

NB: CDT’s mandate does not include conducting investigations or participating in other fact-finding activities related to misconduct by UN personnel. In addition, the CDT mandate does not include engaging in dispute settlement such as mediation or negotiation.

Standards of conduct expected from UN Personnel

UN personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct including:

• Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity;
• Zero tolerance: zero impunity for all acts of misconduct, in particular, sexual exploitation and abuse;
• Individual and collective accountability for all acts of misconduct, including duty to protect and duty to report.

Prohibition of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

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 SEA and all UN personnel have a duty to report any concerns regarding SEA 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).

The current status of SEA allegations can be found on the Conduct in UN Field Missions website.

How to report an allegation of misconduct?

Any perceived act of misconduct, notably SEA, should be reported to Conduct in UN Field Missions.

Useful documents and tools

• MINUSMA Code of Conduct
• Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13)
• Prohibition of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority (ST/SGB/2008/5)
• «To Serve with Pride»: a film made to raise awareness among UN and related personnel about the impact of acts of sexual exploitation and abuse on individuals and communities. It provides clear information about the obligations of all people serving the UN.
• Staff Rules & Regulations (ST/SGB/2014/2)
• Use of Information and communication technology resources and data (ST/SGB/2004/15)
• Private legal obligations of staff members (ST/AI/2000/12)
• Family and Child Support Obligations of Staff Members (ST/SGB/1999/4)

What you need to know about sexual exploitation and abuse at the UN