Third Party case involving UN Ethics Office
Denial of ‘Protection against Retaliation’ for OHCHR Staff Member Emma Reilly
These documents were received anonymously. I have since been able to communicate with the sender and have had a number of questions answered. I have confirmed certain other material facts by other means so I am satisfied the documents are genuine.
Briefing Note
Annex A: Ethics Office Memo
Annex B: Staff Members Response
It is also worth pointing out that it would make absolutely no difference if this case were handled under the new UN whistleblower protection policy ST/SGB/2017/2 instead of ST/SGB/2005/21 that was in force at the time. The new policy still gives the Ethics Office the responsibility to conduct a ‘preliminary review’ of the staff member’s allegations, the findings of such a ‘preliminary review’ still cannot be challenged and that is how so much retaliation in the UN is covered up – and will continue to be covered up.
UN Response
The UN, as ever, wants to deny there is any problem here, and rushed to put out a Press Release which didn’t actually make a lot of sense. They fail to address the issues – and insist that Ms. Reilly has not suffered any reprisals. Now, if OHCHR actually understood the whole concept of ‘Protection against Retaliation’ in the UN, they would know that they can’t actually say that because the matter has not been formally investigated yet – but why let the facts get in the way of a good denial?
So here is the bottom line: if OHCHR are prepared to stand by their statement; I am prepared to put my money where my mouth is.
Response to OHCHR Press Release
Let this staff member member appear in front of the media and let her explain that she has not suffered any reprisals.
So what happens next?
The most likely reaction will be to try to discredit me, which the UN has been trying to do since 13 March 2013. Why stop now?
To add a bit of spice to the monotony of blanket denials and the off-the-record innuendo; at least let’s have some fun with it.
Collect as many excuses not to pay attention as you possibly can! Have fun with: