UN Environment Programme (UNEP) prevention and response to Sexual Misconduct
UNEP has a zero-tolerance policy towards Sexual Misconduct. The term Sexual Misconduct refers to Sexual Harassment (SH) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
Sexual misconduct is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited for all UNEP personnel. Perpetrators of sexual misconduct will be held to account for their actions. UNEP adopts a victim-centered approach to sexual misconduct, inherently respecting the dignity of victims/survivors of sexual misconduct as a key factor in the resolution of the incident. We are also committed to ensuring all allegations of sexual harassment and SEA are responded to swiftly, appropriately, and effectively and that confidentiality of all complaints and information received from victims/survivor is maintained throughout the process.
Sexual Harassment (SH)
SH 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.”
SH can occur to all UNEP personnel, and includes acts perpetrated away from the workplace. It consist of, but is not limited to:
- Unwelcome comments and jokes.
- Sexually inappropriate conversation, gestures or actions about the physical appearance or sexual identity of an individual or group.
- Written or any form of electronic communication of a sexual nature.
- Unwanted kissing, touching, grabbing, or rubbing.
- Showing or sending sexually inappropriate materials to colleagues.
Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)
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 defence. Even in a country where the age of majority or the age of consent is lower than 18, all UNEP 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 favours. This includes any exchange of money, food, employment, goods, assistance, or services for sex or sexual favours.
- Sexual activity with sex workers, even when it is legal in the country.
- Using a child or adult to procure sex for others.
Policy
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation and abuse are covered by the following policies:
- ST/SGB/2019/8 Addressing discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment and abuse of authority
- ST/SGB/2003/13 Special Measures for protection against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse
- ST/AI/2017/1 Unsatisfactory conduct investigation and the disciplinary process
- Code of Conduct to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment at UN system events
UNEP response
UNEP requires all staff members to take the mandatory course on "United to Respect: Addressing Sexual harassment and other prohibited conduct".
UNEP conducts the United to Respect Dialogues Workshop which includes a component of Sexual Harassment to sensitize UNEP personnel on Sexual Harassment as a preventative measure.
UNEP has developed the Statement on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment for UN Personnel and the Statement on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for Implementing Partners.
UNEP has also developed the UNEP Sexual Harassment No excuse card which provides information on what constitutes sexual harassment, how to report sexual harassment and to whom it can be reported and other support provided in the case of sexual harassment.
UNEP conducts rigorous pre-employment checks of personnel to prevent the rehiring of known offenders.
All allegations on SEA and SH are investigated by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). UNEP takes administrative and managerial action regarding sexual harassment on a case-by-case basis.
UNEP does not partner with entities that fail to address sexual exploitation and abuse. Such failures shall constitute grounds for the termination of cooperation agreements with implementing partners.
UNEP also implements disciplinary measures following a disciplinary process for SH and SEA, by the Under-Secretary-General at the Department of Strategy, Management, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC).
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Anyone who has knowledge of an incident of sexual exploitation and abuse should report to:
Sexual harassment should be reported to one of the following:
- Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)
- Executive Director of UNEP
- Conduct and Discipline Focal Point
- Line managers and Directors
You can report allegations of sexual misconduct anonymously. *All reports should be made in good faith.
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