ICJ whistleblowing channel
The ICJ seeks to ensure a high standard of ethical conduct on the part of all those who represent the organisation. It maintains a Code of Ethics and an Anti-Corruption Policy.
Any person can make a report about unethical conduct (“whistleblowing”) by anyone to whom the ICJ Code of Ethics applies to, i.e. the ICJ itself, its Executive Committee, its Commissioners, the Secretary General and those employed by the secretariat. The report can be done through the dedicated website.
This is a secure channel on which information can be provided anonymously.
Acts of whistleblowing may include but are not limited to the following:
- Reporting a criminal offence;
- Reporting sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment;
- Reporting of act of corruption as defined in the Anti-Corruption Policy;
- Reporting covering up of wrongdoing;
- Reporting health and safety risks that endanger lives or health;
- Reporting any other serious breach of an ICJ policy or the ICJ Code of Ethics.
Whistleblowing reports received through this channel will be initially assessed by one or both case handlers
i.e. the Human Resources Manager and/or the Chief Financial Officer; where the allegation concerns a member of the Human Resources or Finance Department, it will not be assessed by the case handler from that department. If it concerns both departments, it will be forwarded to and assessed by the Secretary General.
- Where a report is found to disclose a credible allegation of acts in breach of the ICJ’s Code of Ethics or Anti-Corruption Policy, it will be referred to the ICJ’s Grievance and Disciplinary Committee or to the ICJ Ombudsperson, as appropriate. A meeting on the case will be held within 30 days of the information being received.
- The whistleblower is entitled to have their views heard and fully considered by the Grievance and Disciplinary Committee or the Ombudsperson.
- The decision and report of the Grievance and Disciplinary Committee or the Ombudsperson will be issued and sent to the whistleblower at the latest within 14 days of the last meeting on the case.
- The decision can be appealed within 14 days of its being issued. The appeal will be considered by the Secretary General and/or the ICJ Ombudsperson or Executive Committee as appropriate and a decision will be taken and communicated within 30 days of receipt of the notice of appeal.
The ICJ will make all appropriate efforts to protect and support whistleblowers and will not impose any detriment on a whistleblower as a result of a disclosure made through this process.