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Inspector General's Office
Internal Review
The Inspector General's Office (IGO), based in UNHCR's Geneva headquarters, has three mandated functions: to assess the quality of UNHCR's management, including identifying measures to prevent mismanagement and waste of resources; to investigate allegations of misconduct by anyone working for the agency, including non-permanent staff; and to conduct inquiries into violent attacks on UNHCR staff and operations, as well as other types of incidents that could affect the reputation of the organization.
The IGO's investigation section is responsible for receiving and looking into allegations of misconduct against UNHCR personnel. This is a fact-finding exercise and not a punitive undertaking. If the investigation reveals evidence to conclude that an allegation of misconduct is well founded, the IGO sends a preliminary report to the head of UNHCR's Human Resources and Management division for further action. If an investigation finds weaknesses in administrative or operational policies, guidelines, procedures or practices, the IGO sends a report to the High Commissioner, or the relevant senior manager, with recommendations for action.
The findings of the IGO investigation unit can lead to disciplinary or administrative action, including such sanctions as dismissal for serious misconduct, demotion, deferment of within-grade increment, and written censure.
The IGO also conducts regular inspections of UNHCR operations and offices around the world to ensure they are being run in conformity with all rules and regulations.