Conduct and Discipline

The United Nations Organization embodies the highest aspirations of the peoples of the world for peace, respect for fundamental rights, economic and social progress and international cooperation. In this context, MINURCAT staff members, who represent the Organization in this country, must exemplify these ideals by maintaining the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and conduct befitting their status as international civil servants. They are accorded certain privileges and immunities arranged through agreements negotiated between the United Nations and the host country solely for the purpose of discharging their duties. They are not to engage in any activity or conduct that is incompatible with the mandate of MINURCAT or that will bring discredit upon the UN.
 
MINURCAT staff members must respect the United Nations core values, which are: integrity, professionalism, impartiality and respect for gender and diversity.
 
As international civil servants, they must uphold and respect the principles set out in the UN Charter, including faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in equal rights of men and women. They shall observe the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
 
MINURCAT staff members shall abide by the laws and regulations of the host country as well as respect the local customs and practices, traditions and religions. This includes those of the neighbouring states that they are likely to visit while on duty or leave. They shall treat the inhabitants of the host country with respect, courtesy and consideration, and show respect for and promote the environment of the host country.
 
MINURCAT members shall not engage in acts of sexual, physical or psychological abuse or exploitation especially of women and children as defined in ST/SGB/2003/13. In particular:
 
a.         Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18 years) is prohibited.
b.         Exchange of money, employment, goods, assistance or services for sex (e.g. sex with prostitutes) is prohibited.
c.         Though not prohibited, sexual relationships with beneficiaries of assistance is strongly discouraged.
 
To ensure compliance of MINURCAT staff members with UN standards of conduct and discipline, a dedicated Conduct and Discipline Unit has been created within the Mission to handle staff misconduct. Among other duties, the MINURCAT Conduct and Discipline Unit (CDU) is responsible for:

 1.        Acting as the principal adviser to the MINURCAT Head of Mission on addressing conduct and discipline issues relating to 

                 all categories of United Nations peacekeeping personnel in the mission.

2.         Advising the Head of Mission on establishing measures to prevent misconduct, enforce United Nations standards of

                 conduct and ensure remedial action where misconduct has occurred.

3.         Receiving, assessing and referring allegations of misconduct for appropriate action.

4.         Providing technical advice to mission leadership on United Nations rules and procedures relating to conduct and

                 discipline, and assisting in capacity-building on such issues.

5.         Maintaining a comprehensive database to track and report on all cases of misconduct, and provide analyses and

                 reports.

6.         Liaising with all investigative entities on misconduct allegations and cases.

7.         Providing content to public information components on conduct and discipline issues, including the status of

                 allegations and cases.

8.         Coordinating the mission’s responses to victims.
 
For more information about the MINURCAT Conduct and Discipline Unit, please contact Mr. Ahmed Amine DABO, Chief of the Conduct and Discipline Unit, at (+235) 6902439 or dabo1@un.org.