15 December 2022

Child rights and business

The way we conduct business anywhere in the world impacts children. Workplace conditions, terms of labour and employment – even pricing and policies that limit the ability of parents to provide for their families: Each of these business decisions has consequences for children's well-being. In some cases, practices that do not violate adults’…, Key facts, Over 1 billion children are touched by global business supply chains directly or indirectly, through their impact on families. Around 160 million children were subjected to child labour in 2020, with millions more at risk since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 800 million mothers worldwide are not adequately protected with leave and cash benefits in…, Topics in child rights and business, Child playing Finance and investing, Investors need to be cautious of making investments in companies with business practices that may cause harm to children. UNICEF works with partners to develop practical guidance and tools for investors to assess a business’s performance based on how their practices support children’s rights. >>Read: Investor Guidance on Integrating Children…, Young child holding mobile phone Child rights in a digital world, An estimated one in three internet users globally is a child. Wider access to digital technologies poses significant risks to children, both offline and online. UNICEF collaborates with governments and technology companies – from online gaming to mobile operators – to keep children safe online. We focus on ending online child sexual exploitation…, Mothers, breastfeeding Supply chains and the workplace, Supply chains and the workplace can impact children in a number of ways. Related rights issues include poor living conditions, environmental pollution and hazards, and insufficient services and care for maternal health.  UNICEF promotes family-friendly policies that can offer parents and caregivers the time, resources and services they need to…, A child holding a slate in school State action on child rights, Although businesses are responsible for the impact of their activities on children's rights, the ultimate accountability lies with authorities at national and global levels. Governments have specific obligations to realize children’s rights when it comes to regulating business operations. >>Read: Children's Rights in National Action Plans on…, What we do, In 2012, UNICEF launched Children's Rights and Business Principles alongside Save the Children and the UN Global Compact. These principles look at the impact businesses have on children and ways to address them. UNICEF has engaged businesses in over 70 countries, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry associations,…, Publications and resources
12 July 2022

How to report wrongdoing

Misconduct undermines the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of UNICEF, threatening our ability to meet the needs of children worldwide. All UNICEF personnel – regardless of how they're contracted or where they're stationed – are expected to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Those…, What to report, Sexual exploitation or abuse, In every context in which UNICEF operates, people trust us to assist and protect them. The vast majority of aid workers do so with professionalism and integrity. However, some abuse their position of power through the sexual exploitation or abuse of those who depend on them, including children. Sexual exploitation refers to any actual or attempted…, Sexual harassment in the workplace, Our mission to support children requires a workplace that supports staff. But UNICEF is not yet that workplace for every member of our team. Each year, individuals come forward to share experiences of sexual harassment. We know our measures to prevent this have not reached all corners of our working environment. And one case is one too many. Help…, Abuse of authority, Abuse of authority entails the improper use of a position of influence, power or authority against another person. It may also include behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, such as intimidation, threats, blackmail or coercion. In the workplace, this is particularly serious when affecting the career or psychological safety…, Fraud or corruption, Worldwide, UNICEF is entrusted with voluntary contributions from governments, businesses and philanthropists seeking to protect children’s rights. We're determined to make every dollar count, and to share openly UNICEF Transparency Portal where our funds come from , UNICEF Transparency Portal where they go , and UNICEF Annual Report what they…, Discrimination or racism, Since its inception, UNICEF has stood firmly against discrimination and racism. But we are not immune. Our personnel relay experiences of discrimination and racism, still, perpetrated by peers. They speak up about hurtful and disrespectful actions that betray our most fundamental values.  We will not accept this. UNICEF has one of the most diverse…, Harassment or bullying, Harassment in the workplace can take many forms – words, gestures or actions that tend to alarm, intimidate or belittle another person, including bullying. Overall, any unwelcome conduct that might be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another may constitute harassment, especially when it interferes with work or creates an…, Conflict of interest, A conflict of interest arises when, by act or omission, staff members’ personal interests cause them to discharge their official duties and responsibilities in a manner inconsistent with the interests of UNICEF.  UNICEF recognizes that engagement in outside activities may enhance personal well-being and professional development, even to the…, Retaliation, All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service; and any of UNICEF’s regulations, rules and internal policies, to officials formally designated to receive such reports by UNICEF or the UN. Anyone who submits such a report has…, All other concerns, For issues related to performance management, interpersonal conflicts or other workplace concerns, learn where to turn. UNICEF provides confidential informal and formal channels for seeking guidance, support and resolution. How to report -->, How to report, UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations, The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) conducts independent, fact-based investigations into allegations of misconduct, fraud and other violations of UNICEF rules, regulations and policies. OIAI’s mission is to investigate reports of misconduct with professionalism, impartiality and fairness towards all parties, as well as to ensure…, UNICEF Ethics Office, The Ethics Office nurtures a culture of integrity and accountability to enhance trust in and credibility within UNICEF and the UN system. Founded on independence, impartiality and confidentiality, this team is responsible for providing advice and guidance, training and outreach, and policy input. They also administer UNICEF’s Policy on Whistle-…, UNICEF Human Resources, UNICEF's Division of Human Resources works with HR practitioners, partners and clients globally to ensure that UNICEF personnel are provided with the work environment and support they need to give their best for every child. HR supports personnel with conduct-related matters by issuing and advising on relevant policies and procedures (including…, Office of the Ombudsmen for United Nations Funds and Programmes, The Office of the Ombudsmen offers dedicated, informal dispute-resolution services to all UNICEF personnel, in addition to personnel from UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women. The office is a strictly confidential and neutral place to discuss workplace issues and explore options for addressing conflicts. It operates independently from UNICEF…, Know your rights when reporting wrongs, Right to be protected against retaliation, UNICEF’s policy on whistle-blower protections sets out measures against retaliation for individuals who report misconduct, provide information in good faith on alleged wrongdoing, or cooperate with an authorized inspection.  All UNICEF personnel have a duty to report any breach of the UN Charter; the UN Staff Regulations and Rules; the Standards…, Right to report confidentially, All UNICEF personnel have the right to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially. Reports made to the Ethics Office and the Office of the Ombudsmen are strictly confidential and will not be shared without your express consent. The Office of Internal Audit and Investigation operates under need-to-know confidentiality, meaning the information you…, Right to receive support, If you’re seeking encouragement through the reporting process, or guidance to better understand our duty to report, you’re not alone. UNICEF staff worldwide have teamed up as Peer Support Volunteers, Staff Representatives and Ethics Champions to provide informal and confidential support to colleagues who may have experienced, or suspect they’ve…, UNICEF's work to prevent wrongdoing, FAQs, I’m not ready to report, but I’d like informal guidance. Where can I go? Can I report anonymously? Are whistle-blowers protected from retaliation?  What should I do if I believe I’ve been retaliated against? Where can I find annual reports from UNICEF’s Ethics Office? Where can I find more information on UNICEF's efforts to prevent wrongdoing in…