3. Public officials shall be attentive, fair and impartial in the performance of their functions and, in particular, in their relations with the public. They shall at no time afford any undue preferential treatment to any group or individual or improperly discriminate against any group or individual, or otherwise abuse the power and authority vested in them. … 11. The political or other activity of public officials outside the scope of their office shall, in accordance with laws and administrative policies, not be such as to impair public confidence in the impartial performance of their functions and duties.27 27 UN International Code of Conduct for Public Officials, General Assembly, A/RES/51/59 January 28, 1997, http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan010930.pdf (accessed April 24, 2013). THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM 16