Code of Conduct

 

1. Introduction

Our capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, displaced persons, asylum seekers and other persons of concern depends on the ability and commitment of our   organization to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

The Code of Conduct which includes a set of expectations that clarify acceptable and unacceptable practices and behaviours towards children, youth or  women and all staff , is an essential part of the safeguarding policy at Diyarouna Association.  Our directors and senior managers have a particular responsibility to uphold these standards, to set a good example, and to create a safeguarding culture that supports and empowers staff.

We recognize that our work often puts our  staff and volunteers in positions of power in relation to our  beneficiaries. All those who serve this organization have an obligation not to abuse this power.

Our Code of Conduct applies to all directors, all employees – permanent and freelance – all volunteers wherever employed, and all visitors, including consultants, journalists, and associated personnel.

The Code of Conduct lays out our expectations and guiding principles for appropriate behavior in the office and field. By agreeing to work for us, our directors, trustees, staff, and associated personnel undertake to comply with all Diyarouna’s policies and procedures and to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct to ensure that our integrity and reputation shall not be jeopardized by their actions nor those it seeks to help, come to any harm.

All employees, volunteers and visitors  are expected to read and sign this code of conduct and a copy will be held in the individual’s personnel file. All visitors, including consultants, journalists and associated personnel must also read and sign this Code of Conduct.

2. Core Values and Guiding Principles 

 

Our staff are committed to the following fundamental values and principles:

 

• We will ensure that our conduct is consistent with and reflects the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations: respect for fundamental human rights, social justice and human dignity, and respect for the equal rights of each individual. We will promote adherence to the principles of international refugee law, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. We will be guided by the core values of the UN system, including professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and will maintain an international perspective at all times.
• Our primary commitment is to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, displaced persons, asylum seekers and other persons of concern, in accordance with our  organization’s mandate. We are committed to supporting the fullest possible participation of refugees, displaced persons, asylum seekers and other persons of concern – as individuals, families, and communities – in decisions that affect their lives.
• We will respect the dignity and worth of every individual, we will promote and practice understanding, respect, compassion, and tolerance, and we  will demonstrate discretion and maintain confidentiality as required. We will aim to build constructive and respectful working relations with our humanitarian partners, will continuously seek to improve our performance, and will foster a climate that encourages learning, supports positive change, and applies the lessons learned from our experience.
• We will show respect for all persons equally without distinction whatsoever of race, gender, religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, language, marital status, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, disability, political conviction, or any other distinguishing feature. We will strive to remove all barriers to equality.
• We will respect the cultures, customs, and traditions of all peoples, and will strive to avoid behaving in ways that are not acceptable in a particular cultural context.
• We have a responsibility to protect refugees and to avoid exposing them to further harm as a result of our actions. We also have a duty of care to all our volunteers. We aim to follow the UN’s humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, avoiding harm, accountability, participation, and respect. In practice, that means we all need to follow this Code of Conduct:

 

3. Code of Conduct

 

I commit myself to the following:

3.1.To treat all persons of concern fairly, and with respect and dignity.

• I will always seek to understand the difficult experiences that persons of concern have faced and survived, as well as the disadvantaged position in which they – particularly on the basis of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability – may find themselves in relation to those who hold power or influence over aspects of their lives.
• I will always seek to care for and protect the rights of children and vulnerable adults and act in a manner that ensures that their best interests shall be the paramount consideration.

 

3.2. To uphold the integrity of the organisation by ensuring that my personal and professional conduct is, and is seen to be, of the highest standard.

• I will demonstrate integrity, truthfulness, dedication, and honesty in my actions.
• I will be patient, respectful and courteous to all persons with whom I deal in an official capacity, including persons of concern, representatives of operational and implementing partners, governments, and donors.
• I will observe local laws, will meet all my private legal and financial obligations, and will not seek to take personal advantage of any privileges that have been conferred on me.
• I will take all appropriate steps to ensure that Diyarouna’s beneficiaries do not come to any harm during delivery of services.
• I will do my utmost to ensure that the conduct of members of my household does not reflect unfavourably on the integrity of Diyarouna.

 

 

3.3. To perform my official duties and conduct my private affairs in a manner that avoids conflicts of interest, thereby preserving and enhancing public confidence in Diyarouna.

• My actions will be free of any consideration of personal gain, and I will resist any undue political pressure in decision-making.
• I will neither seek nor accept instructions regarding the performance of my duties from any government, including by national authorities, or from any authority external to the organisation. I will neither give nor accept any honour, decoration, favour gift, remuneration, or bribe, to / from any government; nor will I give nor accept such to / from any other source external to the organisation without prior authorisation. It is, however, allowed to give or accept small tokens of appreciation that are exchanged in accordance with local practice  provided that it cannot compromise the integrity of the organisation.
• I will not engage in any outside occupation or employment without prior authorisation from Diyarouna.
• I will not accept supplementary payments or subsidies from a government or any other source or participate in certain political activities such as standing for or holding public office without prior authorisation.
• I will avoid assisting private persons or companies in their undertakings with the organisation where this might lead to actual or perceived preferential treatment.
• I will never participate in activities related to procurement of goods or services, or in human resource activities, where a conflict of interests may arise.

 

3.4. To contribute to building a harmonious workplace based on team spirit, mutual respect and understanding.

• I will show respect to all colleagues, regardless of status or position, and will allow all colleagues the opportunity to have their views heard, and to contribute from their knowledge and experience to team efforts.
• I will use internal procedures and processes to express unhappiness and will not use social media for such purposes.
• Though I may disagree with a colleague, or with a manager I will seek to resolve differences and solve problems when they arise, and will contribute to building constructive dialogue, guided by mutual respect and an open, positive approach, between management and staff representatives. I accept that not all the changes which I wish to promote will necessarily be adopted by the organisation.
• As a manager, I will be open to the views of all team members. I will provide timely feedback on the performance of each team member through guidance, motivation, and full recognition of their merits.

 

3.5. To refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse, intimidation, or favouritism in the workplace.

• I will not engage in or tolerate any form of harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment and abuse of power.
• As a manager, I will not solicit favours, loans, or gifts from staff/volunteers, nor will I accept unsolicited ones that are of more than token value.
• I recognise that there is an inherent conflict of interest and potential abuse of power in having intimate and sexual relations with staff under my supervision. I am aware that the Diyarouna Association  strongly discourages such relations. Should I find myself in such a relationship, I will bring this to the attention of the directors / senior management immediately.

 

3.6. To promote the safety, health, and welfare of all as a necessary condition for effective and consistent performance.

• I will remain aware of and comply with all instructions designed to protect my health, welfare, and safety.
• I will always consider the safety of staff/volunteers in operational decisions.
• If I have doubts regarding an instruction that I consider threatening to my safety or the safety of other persons, I will bring this immediately to the attention of my manager.
• As a manager, I will endeavour to ensure that the health and well-being of staff/volunteers and their families are not subjected to undue risk. I will promote a healthy work-life balance for staff and will respect staff entitlements.

 

3.7. To safeguard and make responsible use of the information and resources to which I have access by reason of my employment with Diyarouna.

• I will exercise due care in all matters of official business, and not divulge any confidential information about persons of concern, colleagues, and other work-related matters in accordance with the terms of employment and current guidelines.
• I will not engage in gossip and spread rumours about anyone
• I will protect, manage, and utilise the organisation’s human, financial and material resources efficiently and effectively, bearing in mind that these resources have been placed at the organisation’s disposal for the benefit of the persons of concern.

 

3.8. To prevent, oppose and combat all exploitation and abuse of persons of concern.

• I undertake not to abuse the power and influence that I have by virtue of my position over the lives and well-being of
• I will never request any service or favour from persons of concern in return for protection or assistance.
• I will never engage in any exploitative relationships, emotional, financial or employment related with . I will act responsibly when hiring or otherwise engaging persons of concern for private services. I will report in writing on the nature and conditions of this employment to my manager.
• I will not engage in sexual activity with children under the age of 18. (e.g. sexting, kissing, hugging, inappropriate touching, imagery) Mistaken belief in the age of the child does not constitute a defence.
• I will not engage in sexual exploitation or abuse of beneficiaries , and I have a particular duty of care towards women and children.
• I will not arrange meetings with beneficiaries outside my working hours.
• I will neither solicit nor engage in commercial exchange of sexual services as such relationships may undermine the credibility and the image of the organization.
• I am aware that the organization strongly discourages sexual relationships between its staff members and beneficiaries, although these relations are not exploitative or abusive. Such relationships may undermine the credibility and the integrity of the organization and of the staff members involved. Should I find myself in such a relationship with a beneficiary  that I consider non-exploitative and consensual, I will report this to my manager for appropriate guidance in the knowledge that this matter will be treated with due discretion.

 

3.9. To refrain from any involvement in criminal or unethical activities, activities that contravene human rights, or activities that compromises the image and interests of the Diyarouna Association.

 

• I will neither support nor take part in any form of illegal, exploitative, or abusive activities, including, for example, child labour, and the trafficking of human beings and commodities.

 

3.10. Complaints and reports 

Each person who signs this Code is obligated to bring to the attention of the relevant manager any potential incident, abuse, or concern that they witness, are made aware of, or suspect which appears to breach the standards contained in this Code.

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I ____________________ accept and declare that by appending my signature herein on this document, I confirm that I have read and understood the Code of Conduct and its standards. I understand that any divergence from these standards may result in disciplinary measures, up to termination of my employment contract with Diyarouna and, where an act of criminality is concerned, a referral to the appropriate legal authorities.

 

Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________ Time: _________________

 

Print Name:______________________