Preventing and addressing harassment, including sexual harassment, at meetings and events of the United Nations Environment Programme
Consistent with the Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment, including Sexual Harassment, at UN System Events, UN organizations, including UNEP, are committed to ensuring all events provide an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for participants.
UNEP, including its governing bodies - the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) - promotes dignity, inclusion, mutual respect and safety during UNEA and CPR sessions and related events. UNEP is committed to preventing and addressing harassment, including sexual harassment, in these settings.
All participants in UNEA and CPR meetings are expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards and to treat others with integrity, courtesy and respect. UNEP does not tolerate discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, at any event, whether in person or virtual.
Harassment is any improper or unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person. Harassment in any form because of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, national origin, political affiliation, age, religion or any other reason is prohibited at UN system events.
Sexual harassment is a specific type of prohibited conduct. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation. Sexual harassment may involve any conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature, including written and electronic communications, and may occur between persons of the same or different genders.
Participants who experience or witness discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate conduct during a UN system event should report it to event organizers, the designated focal point, UN security personnel or through confidential reporting channels. Reports may also be submitted directly to the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).
To report an incident:
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Code of Conduct and Preventing Harassment
The United Nations is committed to ensuring that all events are conducted in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment. All participants attending meetings of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), and related events are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct at UN System Events.
The Code of Conduct at UN System Events sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all participants and provides information on available reporting mechanisms and support options.
The Code of Conduct at UN System Events is also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
In addition, Major Groups and Stakeholders accredited to UNEP and its governing bodies are expected to conduct their engagement in accordance with the expectations outlined in the explanatory note when engaging with UNEP. -
What is Expected of Participants
Everyone attending UNEA, CPR and related events shares the responsibility to maintain a professional, respectful and inclusive environment.
Participants are expected to:- Treat all participants with courtesy, dignity and respect;
- Be mindful of how their words and actions may affect others;
- Respond constructively to concerns raised regarding conduct;
- Intervene appropriately or seek assistance when witnessing inappropriate behaviour;
- Report incidents of harassment, including sexual harassment; and
- Cooperate with any review or investigation of reported incidents.
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Reporting Harassment or Other Misconduct
Any participant who experiences or witnesses harassment, including sexual harassment, or other misconduct during a UN System Event is encouraged to report the matter.
Reports of misconduct may be submitted directly to the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS):- Email: jason.uliana@un.org, Chief of Service, Nairobi, Kenya, OIOS
- Walk-ins: Nairobi branch of OIOS welcomes walk-ins. They are located at New Office Building 1 (previously NOF Block 1N), First floor. Available Mondays-Fridays 8:30am to 7pm.
- Online reporting form (anonymous reporting option available)
- OIOS Hotline: +1212-963-1111 (available 24 hours a day)
For additional information, please visit the OIOS website.
The UN, including UNEP, is committed to a victim-centred approach in responding to sexual harassment that respects the dignity, rights, needs and wishes of victims and seeks to ensure that they are treated with sensitivity, confidentiality and respect throughout the process. -
Online Training Resources
Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with United Nations standards of conduct and respectful workplace practices.
The following online courses are available through Inspira:- I Know Gender: An Introduction to Gender Equality for UN Personnel; and
- United to Respect: Preventing Sexual Harassment and Other Prohibited Conduct.
Instructions on how to access the training courses on INSPIRA.
Other Alerts:
Please be aware of fraudulent messages, invitations, requests for payment, offers of sponsorship, travel support, accommodation or other services falsely claiming to be associated with UNEP, UNEA, CPR or the United Nations.
The United Nations does not request payments from participants to attend events.
Participants are encouraged to verify any suspicious communication directly with the Secretariat and to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited messages claiming association with the United Nations.
