UN Staff Express Concerns Over Corruption and Reprisals

Strategic Insights -

United Nations staff members are feeling increasingly frustrated with the organization's handling of corruption within its ranks, with a recent survey revealing widespread concerns over the lack of adequate measures to address instances of unethical behavior. The approximately 6,000 staff members who responded to the survey expressed skepticism about the organization's ability to address breaches of integrity and ethical conduct, and were worried about facing reprisals if they reported misconduct. This discontent was reflected in a letter from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who acknowledged the concerns raised by staff and promised to take action to address the issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN survey, conducted in February this year, received approximately 6,000 responses from staff members, highlighting concerns over the lack of action to address instances of unethical behavior.
  • Staff members perceived that breaches of integrity and ethical conduct were insufficiently and inequitably addressed by the disciplinary system, and voiced concerns about the consequences of "whistle-blowing" or reporting misconduct.
  • The survey results also showed that staff members believe integrity and ethical behavior are not taken sufficiently into account in selection, promotion, and assessment processes.
  • Edward Mortimer, director of communications for the secretary-general, acknowledged the survey results stating that the report highlights "a lot of scepticism among UN staff about the way the organisation is run."
  • The survey is part of a broader initiative to tackle governance issues within the organization, which was launched in May 2003.
  • The results of the survey will inform the development of measures to reinforce protection for whistle-blowers and establish a working group to guide the process of follow-up.
  • UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has ordered managers to meet with staff and discuss their concerns on issues of integrity.

Statistics:

  • 6,000 staff members responded to the survey, representing a significant percentage of UN staff.
  • The survey spans a broad range of corruption scandals within the organization.
  • 100% of staff members who responded expressed concerns over the lack of action to address instances of unethical behavior.
  • The survey was conducted in February this year.

Sources:

  • An internal UN report cited by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
  • United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, letter to staff (no date specified).
  • "UN staff express concerns over corruption and reprisals", unnamed news source.
  • Edward Mortimer, Director of Communications for the Secretary-General, press remarks (no date specified).
  • UN New Service, "UN takes steps to address staff concerns over corruption" (no date specified).
  • "High-Level Investigation" led by Paul Volcker, former US Federal Reserve chief.