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CONFIDENTIALITY, IMPARTIALITY & NEUTRALITY

In the exercise of her duties, the Ombudsman is independent of all United Nations organs or officials. She has direct access to the Secretary-General, as needed, for the performance of her functions. The Ombudsman operates under the strictest codes of independence and confidential­ity and her Office therefore:

• Will not divulge a staff member's identity without that staff member's authorization.
• Does not keep records for the United Nations or for any other party.
• Reviews each situation objectively and treats all concerned parties equally.
• Does not make decisions, create or change policy, or mandate actions.
• Does not serve as an advocate for any of the parties. The Ombudsman strives for a fair solution to the issue and for the observance of due process.
• With the staff member's consent, the Ombudsman can undertake fact finding and inquiries.
• With the staff member's consent, the Ombudsman can follow up with other offices.

CORE WORKING PRINCIPLES

The Core Working Principles are:

Confidentiality: The Ombudsman does not keep records for the UN or any other party. She does not disclose information about individual cases or visits from staff members and cannot be compelled to testify about concerns brought to her attention. (The only exceptions, at the sole discretion of the Ombudsman, are when there is imminent threat of serious harm.)

Impartiality: The Ombudsman does not take the side of any party in a conflict. The Ombudsman does not make decisions, create or change policies or mandate actions. The Ombudsman reviews and assesses each situation objectively and treats all parties equally.

Neutrality: The Ombudsman is a designated neutral. She is appointed by the Secretary-General to a non-renewable five-year term. After expiration of the term, she is ineligible for any other appointment in the United Nations. The Ombudsman does not represent anyone in the Organization, neither staff, management or any parties (including governments or institutions). The Ombudsman is an advocate for fairness.

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