A separate investigatory unit has existed only since 1994. For almost five decades since the United Nations was founded, the Secretary-General had few tools to gather evidence on criminal, illegal or improper conduct of UN staff members or contractors with whom the Organization does business. It was, therefore, often difficult to conduct the type of inquiry which would lead to successful corrective and administrative measures in cases of, say, alleged payment of kickbacks, embezzlement of funds, serious and costly mismanagement or waste of the Organization's resources. Since its establishment in 1994 the Investigations Section has received numerous reports from staff members who have contacted the Section in person, in writing or by telephone. In accordance with requirements set forth by the General Assembly, the Section protects the confidentiality of all who make reports in good faith, whether the investigation substantiates the report or not.
Anonymous input is handled with the same professional diligence.
In order not to jeopardize an investigation, investigators have been accorded the right, provided by the mandate, to have direct access to records, data, sites and staff without any hindrance or need for prior clearance. However, the activities of the Investigations Section are not limited to these rather delicate areas. Under the same umbrella of confidentiality the Section also receives suggestions from staff members for improvements in working conditions and programme delivery. Moreover, it follows up on reports of possible violations of rules or regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources or abuse of authority. When operations involve, for example, large amounts of money or are in insecure locations, the Section takes the initiative to assess the potential for fraud and other violations.