Diplomatic Malfeasance?

The Government of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs has dispatched investigators to Copenhagen for the purpose of looking into allegations of misconduct and harassment at Canada's Embassy in Denmark.  A number of former locally-engaged embassy employees appear to have been scandalized by some of the behaviour they witnessed, were exposed to, and dealt with that on the part of Canadian diplomats has been found wanting by them. 

In fact, who wouldn't find allegations of sexual misconduct, financial misdemeanours, personal humiliation served up through the misguided behaviour of those sent abroad to represent the very best their country could muster, in state-to-state and person-to-person relations for the purpose of strengthening relations, social, political, economic, between allies disconcerting and disappointing to say the least? 

It was, after all, the Conservative-led government of the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, who supported the introduction of the Public Servant Disclosure Protection Act, for greater accountability and fewer issues of blow-back for whistle-blowers.  "I don't want to badmouth or villify Canada, I have the greatest admiration for Canada", stated one of those who lodged the complaints.

And that person naively anticipated that Canada's representatives in his/her country would at the very least reciprocate his/her 'greatest admiration' and respect for the country they were delegated to.  That is, presumably, the way it should have been.  Civil servants at that level of accountability and elite activity should be well aware that when they are posted abroad they should be on their best behaviour.

These diplomats should be acutely cognizant of the fact that as diplomatic representatives there are high expectations of rectitude, respect and congeniality.  Perhaps the diplomatic community finds it difficult to shed the all-too-human attitudes of superiority in positions such as these.  In the heights of their profession, as exemplary and respected civil servants whose entitlements are the envy of others.

It's heady stuff; the stuff of which self-entitlement can shove aside the stuff that counts, like presentability, courtesy and decorum.  There are many perquisites that come with the position of diplomatic representation.  They are so delectable that those entitled to them feel entitled also to expanding them without due authorization. 

They feel that ordinary people in the country they are posted to are beneath their notice; their communication is with those at a higher echelon.

Those who have brought their grievances forward, Danes who were locally engaged to work at the embassy supervised by Canadian diplomats, explained their motivation: "what I believe to be our duty and obligation, to bring something forward which is (allegedly) against the rules, the (departmental) code of ethics and against the values that you are sent out (with) to represent your country."

It sounds very, very familiar.  And the statement: "This is an institutionalized culture of alleged misconduct) and harassment that has persisted since 1995", brought attention to the former ambassador having beien recalled after a young housekeeper in his employ claimed sexual assault.  Because of diplomatic immunity and embarrassment, the incident was settled quietly, without bringing in local police.

And Denmark is not the only foreign mission to have been implicated in misconduct, ranging from financial impropriety to callous social behaviour.  The investigators are placing their focus on violations of The Code of Conduct for Canadian Representatives Abroad.  Negative affects to Canada's reputation is a huge issue, as it should be. 

Dismissal of personal responsibility in adhering to local laws or customs another standard of conduct.  The expenditure of public funds in a manner inconsistent with accountability yet another.  All of which any observant and responsible employee of the Department of Foreign Affairs, sent out on a diplomatic assignment is able to distinguish.  Holding themselves to a pattern of self-respecting ethics and morality.

And seeing about them too many incidents of others displaying poor judgement and unauthorized behaviours bordering on criminal acts of deception and theft.