Monitoring Fraud Investigations
Fraud poses a serious risk to humanitarian efforts. Potential cases of fraud related to CERF grants are treated in accordance with the rules, regulations and oversight mechanisms of the recipient UN agencies. To ensure adequate transparency and accountability, CERF guidance sets out procedures for informing donors of potential cases of fraud in CERF-funded projects implemented by UN agencies and their partners. The guidance, developed in consultation with the CERF Advisory Group and recipient agencies, outlines the communication responsibilities of recipient agencies and CERF.
To ensure effective and consistent monitoring of potential fraud cases, CERF employs internal standard operating procedures covering all phases of the process, from initial notification by pa rtners to the conclusion of investigations a nd follow-up actions. In line with the communications guidance, interested donors are kept informed of any new cases reported to CERF, as well as any developments in ongoing investigations. The annual report of the Secretary-General on CERF also provides an overview of all investigations each year.
Twice a year, CERF contacts agencies to remind them to report any new cases of possible fraudulent use of CERF funds and to provide updates on existing cases. CERF monitors ongoing cases a nd rema ins in close contact with the relevant agencies until cases have been fully investigated and follow-up actions implemented. Subject to the outcome of investigations, CERF may work with recipient agencies to recover funds where feasible and appropriate. CERF shares information through twice-yearly letters with its top donors and those donors who have expressed an interest in being informed. In addition, the CERF Advisory Group is regularly notified of potential fraud cases that have been communicated to CERF and updated on their status.