What if I report a rumour of sexual exploitation that is revealed to be false?
Under the SGB, all staff are required to report their concerns and suspicions regarding sexual exploitation and abuse. Given the nature of sexual exploitation and abuse, an individual may develop concerns or suspicions about sexual exploitation or abuse and may not be in a position to establish the veracity of such information. Do not conduct any investigations or try and find out more information yourself; your obligation is only to report your suspicions or concerns. All reports should be made in good faith. If you have made a report in good faith which turns out to be false, there will not be any consequences. However, if you maliciously made a false report, you will be subject to disciplinary consequences. But all rumours must be taken seriously: If left unchecked, they may damage the individual(s) concerned and UN as a whole.
