Privacy policy

The UNCCD secretariat (“UNCCD”) maintains this website (the "Site") as a courtesy to those who may choose to access the Site ("Users"). The information presented herein is for informative purposes only. The UNCCD  grants permission to Users to visit the Site and to download and copy the information, documents and materials (collectively, "Content") from the Site for the User's personal, non-commercial use, without any right to resell or redistribute them or to compile or create derivative works therefrom, subject to the terms and conditions outlined herein, and also subject to more specific restrictions that may apply to specific Content within this Site.

This privacy statement describes the UNCCD’s policy concerning the gathering and sharing of visitors’ information through our websites and digital tools. It applies to all information collected or submitted on websites with the unccd.int domain name which do not require logging in and to all mobile apps published by UNCCD.

By visiting these UNCCD websites or using our mobile apps, you are accepting the practices described in this policy.

Anonymous website usage

By accessing this site, certain information about visitors, such as Internet protocol (IP) addresses, navigation through the site, the software used and the time spent, along with other similar information, will be stored on UNCCD servers. These will not specifically identify the User. The information will be used internally only for web site traffic analysis.

We utilize Google Analytics to collect anonymous data about your interactions with our website. This helps us understand how our site is used and how we can enhance your experience. Please note that while the data collected is anonymous and does not personally identify you, it may be shared with Google in accordance with their privacy policy. By using our website, you consent to the collection and sharing of this data.

If you prefer to opt-out of web tracking by Google Analytics, you have several options. You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, which prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript from sharing information about your visit activity. This add-on is available for most modern web browsers. Additionally, you can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies, which may also help prevent tracking. For more detailed instructions and information, please visit Google's Opt-out page.

We also process this data to keep the Site secure and problem-free. Our web hosting provider keeps logs of connections to this site so that we can detect and prevent malicious activity. The logs contain your IP address (which can reveal your geographical location), the date and time of your connection, the pages you’ve visited in what order and for how long, and the browser you’re using (which can reveal the device you’re using as well). We make no use of this data on an individual level unless the traffic looks like an attack, in which case we will block the connection.

Collection and retention of personally identifiable information

On some pages, you can provide feedback, make requests, register to events, participate to competitions or register to receive materials. The types of personal information collected at these pages are: Name, Title, Organisation name, Country, City, Address, Email, Phone Number. We use the information you provide about yourself when filling such forms only to complete those specific requests.

Disclosure of information to others

UNCCD does not disclose to third parties User’s personal information, combined personal and demographic information or information about her/his use of the website (such as areas User visits or services User accesses), except that:

• (a) In case the User applies for a UNCCD recruitment or internship opportunity, the relevant secretariat programmes will be able to access part of the User’s personal profile such as name, email address as well as any additional personal and demographic information the User may submit with his/her application.
• (b) UNCCD may disclose such information to companies and individuals UNCCD employs to perform functions on its behalf. Examples may include hosting the web servers, and analyzing data. These companies and individuals will have access to the User’s personal information solely as necessary to perform their functions.
• (c) UNCCD may disclose such information, subject to UNCCD privileges and immunities, if requested to do so by UNCCD’s internal governing and oversight bodies, or if necessary in UNCCD’s sole discretion to protect UNCCD property or rights, prevent a crime or protect the safety of Users or the public.

UNCCD use of collected information

Use of cookies

A cookie is a text file that is placed on the User’s hard drive by a web page server. Cookies are not used to run programs or deliver viruses to the User’s computer. Cookies are uniquely assigned to the User’s computer, and can only be read by a web server in the domain that issued the cookie to the User. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on the site.

By setting a cookie, this will save the User time. For example, UNCCD will remember your preferences the next time you visit the site and therefore UNCCD will not have to ask questions that you have already answered.

You are always free to decline our cookies if your browser permits, although in that case you may not be able to use certain features on the site and may be required to re-enter information more frequently to use certain services on the site.

Personally identifiable information

UNCCD may use the personal information you provide to:

• Contact you – either in response to a query or suggestion, or to mail newsletters, documents, publications, etc. to you, and we also may provide the information to the UNCCD programmes so they can contact you as well;
• Manage and process your job application;
• Retain your preferences for future visits to the site;
• Undertake statistical analysis.

What if I don’t want to provide personal information?

Providing personal information on the UNCCD website is optional.  If you choose not to provide personal information, you can still browse and use the UNCCD site, but you will not be able to carry out certain actions such as registering as a participant, registering for a newsletter, or applying for a job.

Opting out and updating your information

At any time, you can correct, update, cancel or modify your information by returning to the web page where you first provided the information and contacting the focal point for that page/relevant UNCCD programme.

You may elect to receive communications such as newsletters and other material from UNCCD. If you do, you will have the opportunity to stop receiving such communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the emails.

Security

We do not sell or share any personally identifiable information volunteered on the UNCCD site to any third party without prior consent.

UNCCD employs a range of techniques and security measures based on best practices to protect the information maintained on our system from loss, misuse, unauthorized access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, UNCCD assumes no responsibility for the security of information.

Notification of changes

If UNCCD decides to change its privacy policy, UNCCD will post those changes to this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect and how we use it.