As a specialized agency of the UN system, WHO is firmly committed to the following ethical principles:
- Integrity: To behave in accordance with ethical principles, and act in good faith, intellectual honesty and fairness.
- Accountability: To take responsibility for one’s actions, decisions and their consequences.
- Independence and impartiality: To conduct oneself with the interests of WHO only in view and under the sole authority of the Director-General, and to ensure that personal views and convictions do not compromise ethical principles, official duties or the interests of WHO.
- Respect: To respect the dignity, worth, equality, diversity and privacy of all persons.
- Professional Commitment: To demonstrate a high level of professionalism and loyalty to the Organization, its mandate and objectives.
To address breaches of ethical principles, WHO has developed specific policies, including a robust policy on whistleblowing and protection against retaliation. Particular focus is given to:
- WHO has zero tolerance for any sexual misconduct, including Sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. All WHO workforce has the obligation to report any case or any suspicious by contacting investigation [at] who.int (investigation[at]who[dot]int) or through the Integrity Hotline where they will receive confidential advice. The Integrity Hotline provides a safe and independent mechanism to report any concerns about issues involving WHO.It is managed by a professional company selected competitively by WHO. The integrity hotline is contractually bound not to share an individual’s personal details with WHO without permission from that individual and accepts anonymous reports. Regional PRSEAH Coordinator, Francesca Paola Crabu (crabuf [at] who.int (crabuf[at]who[dot]int)) is also available for additional advice and assistance with reporting concerns or suspicions.
- Fraud, corruption: all complaints of fraud and corruption will be thoroughly reviewed and investigated, and those found to have committed fraud or corruption will be punished accordingly. Complaints can be made to the Ethics Office, via email or confidentially through the WHO’s integrity hotline, or directly to the Director of IOS.
Contacts:
Ethics Office: ethicsoffice [at] who.int (ethicsoffice[at]who[dot]int)
Integrity Hotline: https://wrs.expolink.co.uk/integrity
Head of IOS: David Webb, webbd [at] who.int (webbd[at]who[dot]int)