Statement on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH)

​​​​​​​UNCDF does not, and will not, tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority in any form. Such conduct is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, and will be dealt with promptly, justly and effectively in accordance with this policy. Staff Rule 1.2 (f) provides that “any form of discrimination or harassment, including sexual or gender harassment, as well as physical or verbal abuse at the workplace or in connection with work, is prohibited”. UNCDF personnel exhibiting such behaviour or conduct may be subject to administrative, disciplinary or contractual measures, up to and including dismissal, as appropriate.

Reporting additional reporting resources, including by phone, scroll down to the “Response & Reporting” Section. 

For quick access to online reporting click the button below:

REPORT ABUSE

Policies & Prevention 

At UNCDF, we strive to create an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for all. Please review our policies and resources below.

Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct

All forms of sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) are unacceptable and are prohibited in UNCDF, whether perpetrated against a recipient of assistance or a coworker. Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse violate human rights and are a betrayal of the core values of the United Nations. It is our collective priority to prevent such behaviours and to support those affected. We are also committed to ensure that all allegations of sexual harassment and SEA are responded to swiftly, appropriately and effectively.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) refers to all forms of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature committed by UN personnel against recipients of assistance and other members of local communities. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18). A mistaken belief that the child is over 18 is no defense. Even in a country where the age of majority or the age of consent is lower than 18, all UNCDF staff and other personnel are forbidden to have sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18.
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex or sexual favors. This includes any exchange of money, food, employment, goods, assistance, or services for sex or sexual favors.
• Sexual activity with prostitutes, even when it is legal in the country.
• Using a child or adult to procure sex for others.

 

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment occurs in the workplace and is defined as “any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person.”

Sexual harassment happens when it interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or when it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. It can be a one-off act or a series of incidents.

UNCDF addresses sexual misconduct through a range of actions aimed to prevent and effectively address sexual misconduct and to support survivors.

Policy Framework

UNCDF adheres to the Secretary-General Bulletin on sexual exploitation and abuse, (ST/SGB/2003/13) applicable to all UN personnel including those working for UNCDF and other separately administered organs and programmes of the United Nations. Information on sexual exploitation and abuse is also included in the UNCDF Code of Ethics.

Standards of conduct related to sexual harassment are covered by the Policy on harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

Prevention

UNCDF conducts rigorous pre-employment checks of personnel to prevent the rehiring of known offenders. As such, UNCDF participates in a joint project with other UN agencies to maintain a system-wide database called "Clear Check" to ensure that former personnel involved in substantiated cases of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse with one entity in the UN system cannot be employed by another entity. Additionally, UNCDF is committed not to partner with entities that fail to appropriately address sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.

UNCDF requires all personnel to take on-line training courses on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Clear information outlining the “No Excuses” approach of the UN rules and prohibitions related to sexual exploitation and abuse are also available to all on the Conduct and Discipline site, in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese.

Response & Reporting

UNCDF is dedicated to providing accessible support resources and reporting options that protect from any form of retaliation.

Response

​​​​​​​UNCDF through proper channels investigates all allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, imposes disciplinary and/or administrative sanctions when allegations are substantiated, and may, through the UN Office of Legal Affairs, refer matters to national authorities for criminal prosecution.

UN staff members are not covered by immunity for acts that constitute crimes, and the Organization does not protect staff who commit such crimes.

Transparency

UNCDF publishes annually information on the disciplinary actions taken against its personnel, including in cases of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.

UNCDF also provides real-time reports on the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse to the Office of the Special Coordinator. In addition, consolidated data on allegations and substantiated cases of sexual exploitation and abuse are published in the Report of the Secretary-General on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.

How to report

All allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment should be reported to the Office of Audit and Investigations.

If you are a victim of any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature, contact the Office of Audit and Investigations at:

For online referral form, CLICK HERE

By telephone: Click here for worldwide numbers (interpreters available 24 hours/day)

• Call +1-844-595-5206 in the USA
• By regular mail to: Deputy Director (Investigations), Office of Audit and Investigations, United Nations Development Programme, One UN Plaza, DC1, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017 USA

Learn more about the United Nations' work on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

Support Resources

For victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, we rely on protection partners and strong local referral networks (see global directory) for direct assistance for victims. UNDP also collaborates with the UN Victims’ Rights Advocate.

Related links:

• Inter-Agency Website
• UN Peacekeeping conduct and discipline
• Reports of the Secretary-General on Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.