In its resolution 76/242, the General Assembly reaffirmed that the informal resolution of conflict is a crucial element of the system of administration of justice, emphasized that all possible use should be made of the informal system in order to avoid unnecessary litigation, without prejudice to the basic right of staff to access the formal system, and encouraged recourse to the informal resolution of disputes.

The present report covers the activities of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services in the Secretariat for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2021. It provides an overview on the use of informal conflict resolution services in the United Nations Secretariat; outreach and skill-building activities; and systemic observations taking into account the continuing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.