UNHCR online auction sales platform terms and conditions of use

1. Introduction

1.1 These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and participation in the online auction platform (the “Platform”) operated by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (“UNHCR”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). The Platform facilitates the sale, transfer, or disposal of movable assets (e.g., vehicles and trailers, generators and machinery, office furniture and equipment, IT and communication equipment, solar equipment) and immovable property (e.g., land and buildings or built-in items such as fitted cupboards) owned by or entrusted to UNHCR. The Platform may be used to conduct asset sales through online listings, online bidding processes, and live or broadcast auctions events, as determined by UNHCR.

1.2 By accessing, registering for, or using the Platform, you (“User”, “you”) accept and agree to be bound by these Terms, any additional guidelines or rules posted on the Platform, and the applicable Privacy Notice. If you do not consent to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

1.3 UNHCR reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or discontinue the Platform or these Terms, in whole or in part, at any time. Such changes will be effective upon posting on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

3. Eligibility

3.1 Participation in online auctions is available only to individuals of legal age and with full legal capacity, who are not members of armed forces or irregular armed groups, or a UNHCR staff member, affiliate workforce member, nor an immediate family member of any UNHCR personnel.

3.2 UNHCR may require Users, at any stage of the auction process, to provide additional information or documentation to verify their identity, payment details, or authority to act, including prior to accepting bids, confirming awards, or processing payments.

5. Auction participation and bidding

5.1 All auctions are conducted in accordance with procedures posted on the Platform. Listings include descriptions, images, starting prices, bid increments, and closing times.

5.2 UNHCR may conduct asset sales through different formats, including:

• online sales or listings with fixed or minimum prices
• online auctions conducted through the Platform
• live or broadcast auctions, including where bidding is submitted electronically.

5.3 During live or broadcast auctions, certain information such as bidder usernames or paddle numbers, bid amounts, or bidding activity may be visible to other participants or viewers, in accordance with the auction format.

5.4 Live or broadcast auctions may be recorded for administrative, transparency, or accountability purposes.

5.5 Bids are binding and irrevocable. The highest valid bid received before the close of an auction, as determined by UNHCR or a contracted auctioneer, will be deemed the winning bid.

5.6 UNHCR reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify any auction, reject any bid, or withhold award for any reason, including technical issues, irregular bidding patterns, or legal compliance considerations.

7. Condition of assets

7.1 Unless expressly stated otherwise, all movable assets and immovable property are sold “as is” and “where is”. UNHCR provides descriptions in good faith but makes no warranties, express or implied, including warranties of condition, quality, fitness for purpose, or merchantability.

7.2 Users have the responsibility to inspect the assets where inspection opportunities are provided. UNHCR is not responsible for any defects or deficiencies in the assets once transferred.

9. Prohibited conduct

9.1 Users shall not or attempt to:

• engage in collusion, bid manipulation, or fraudulent practices
• submit fictitious or misleading bid
• use automated bidding tools
• interfere with the security or operation of the Platform.

9.2 Any violation may result in immediate exclusion.

11. Data protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with UNHCR’s data protection framework and the applicable Privacy Notice published on the Platform.

13. Dispute resolution

13.1 Any dispute, controversy, or claim between UNHCR and a User arising out of these Terms, or the termination, or invalidity thereof, unless settled amicably, within sixty (60) days after receipt by a party of a written request from the other party for such amicable settlement, shall be referred by either party to arbitration in accordance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules then obtaining. The decisions of the arbitral tribunal shall be based on general principles of international commercial law. The arbitral tribunal shall have no authority to award punitive damages. In addition, the arbitral tribunal shall have no authority to award interest in excess of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) then prevailing, and any such interest shall be simple interest only. The Parties shall be bound by any arbitration award rendered as a result of such arbitration as the final adjudication of any such dispute, controversy, or claim.

13.3 To the extent that there exists more than one language version of these Terms of Use and there is any inconsistency between the versions, the English version shall always prevail.

15. Miscellaneous

15.1 The United Nations and UNHCR's name, emblem, and abbreviation (the "Marks") are the exclusive property of the UN or UNHCR and are protected under international law. Unauthorized use of the Marks is prohibited. The Marks may not be reproduced or used in any manner without UNHCR's prior written permission.

15.2 Certain assets offered on the Platform may bear third-party brand names, trademarks, logos, or other identifiers. Such brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for the purpose of identifying the assets being offered for sale.

15.3 The inclusion of branded assets on the Platform does not imply any affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship, or approval by UNHCR of the trademark owner. Users shall not use any third-party trademarks displayed on the Platform for advertising, promotional, or misleading purposes.