Introduction:
Under an integrated framework, The Regional Conduct and Discipline Section ( RCDS) based in UNIFIL (Naqoura) provides support to peacekeeping operations (UNIFIL, UNDOF, UNFYCIP, UNTSO), Political missions (UNSCOL, UNSCO, UNSMIL and OSESGY/UNMHA) on Conduct and Discipline matters involving all personnel attached those entities. 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 Prevention, Enforcement and Remedial Action and assist the Heads of PKM to address misconduct matters including for the implementation of the SG’s Zero Tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse(SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH)
UN Standards of Conduct
The United Nations is committed to ensuring the highest standards of conduct, professionalism and accountability of all its personnel. RCDS reports to heads of entities under the guidance of the Conduct and Discipline Section (CDS), Administrative Law Division (ALD) , Department of Management, Strategic Policy and Compliance (DMSPC).
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 sexual abuse and Sexual Harassment .
3. Accountability of those in command who fail to enforce the Standards of Conduct.
The main documents incorporating UN Standards of Conduct for Civilian Personnel, including UN staff members, UN Volunteers, Consultants and Contractors are:
- UN Charter
- UN Staff Regulations and Rules
- Status, basic rights and duties of UN Staff members - ST/SGB/2016/9
- Measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse - ST/SGB/2003/13
- Addressing discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority - ST/SGB/2019/8
- The Secretary-General’s Report on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: A New Approach - A/71/818
- Other Administrative Issuances, including on the use of information and communication technology
The following documents incorporate UN Standards of Conduct specifically in relation to uniformed personnel (military and police):
- Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and Troop Contributing Countries incorporating the annex “We are the UN Peacekeeping Personnel”.
- Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9, 18 June 2002).
- Observance by United Nations forces of international humanitarian law (ST/SGB/1999/13, 6 August 1999).
- Directives for Disciplinary Matters involving Civilian Police Officers and Military Observers. (DPKO/CPD/DDCPO/2003/001)
- Ten Rules/Code of Personal Conduct for Blue Helmets.
- Other Administrative Issuances, including use of information and communication technology.
What is misconduct?
UN Rules define misconduct as the failure by a staff member to comply with his or her obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules or other relevant administrative issuances or to observe the standards of conduct expected of an international civil servant. 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 Sexual 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 Sexual 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: [email protected]
RCDS Service Number: +961 1 92 66 11
Mobile: +961 78808464 / +96170915005
Postal : Regional Conduct & Discipline Section, UNIFIL HQ, Naqoura, Lebanon
Last updated: 19 September 2022