Reporting channels

Iceland‘s Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for carrying out Iceland’s international development cooperation in accordance with laws No. 121/2008 and Iceland‘s policy for international development cooperation. Development cooperation funds are used in many ways, for example with funding to implementation partners and organizations, but also in the MFA’s work, including work on-site in developing countries.

Development cooperation is financed by tax revenues from the Icelandic public and MFA is responsible for monitoring how ODA funds are utilized. All misuse of funds is taken seriously. Misconduct of this nature can take many forms e.g. bribes, embezzlement, or waste of public funds. Misconduct can have varying degrees of severity; it can result from carelessness or incompetence, can be deliberate or caused by negligence, or actions can even be considered a criminal offence.

The MFA also follows DAC’s Recommendation on Ending Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in Development Co-operation and Humanitarian Assistance. A part of these recommendations is to ensure that staff members and implementing partners can report alleged misconduct.

1. Notifying the Icelandic National Audit Office (INAO)
   Everyone who has information or documents pertaining to criminal misconduct or other objectionable conduct which falls under the scope of INAO has the authority to notify the INOA and hand over documents that pertain to the case. The INAO can be notified by phone +354 448-8800, or by sending information through their web-page, by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by mailing a letter addressed to Bríetartún 7, 105 Reykjavík, labelled „Whistle-blowing“.

1. Notifying the MFA
   All reporting is considered confidential, and reports can be anonymous. It is however easier for the MFA to process the case if the notifier submits a name and contact information. Case processing and investigations follow a standardized procedure. A form to notify the MFA of suspicion of misuse regarding development cooperation funds can be found here.

Two ways of reporting are possible:

1. Internal report for staff members of the Icelandic Foreign Service.
   The MFA follows EKKO* – bullying, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, and violence Prevention and Action Plan. If you want to notify of bullying, gender-based harassment, abuse or sexual harassment, staff shall send an e-mail to [email protected]

1. Reports of sexual exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
   All reporting is considered confidential, and reports can be anonymous. It is, however, easier for the MFA to process the case if the notifier submits a name and contact information. Case processing and investigations follow a standardized procedure. A form to notify the MFA of suspicion of sexual exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance can be found here.