Code of Conduct
Children and War Foundation - Adapted March 16th 2022
CAW works in conditions where protection systems are disrupted and people often rely on humanitarian actors to meet basic needs. Thus, as stated in the IASC guidelines for MHPSS in humanitarian conditions (2007), the unequal power relationships between those delivering services and those receiving them increase the potential for abuse or exploitation of the affected population, while systems for detecting and reporting often are weak.
In all our work and interventions, the potential for causing harm as an unintended, but nonetheless real, consequence must be considered and weighed from the outset. CAW therefore places great value on co-ordination and transparency.
CAW personnel will strive to do no harm, not to abuse power or take advantage of other people, but always to promote human rights, and treat others with dignity.
All personnel associated with CAW adhere to agreed standards for staff conduct, including those described in IASC guidelines for MHPSS in emergencies, the code of conduct for the international Red cross and Red crescent Movement, and the UN secretary-General’s Bulletin on special Measures for Protection from sexual Exploitation and sexual abuse.
These standards of behaviour promote the independence, effectiveness and impact to which humanitarian actors aspire. In line with these guidelines, consideration of how not to raise expectations, how to minimise harm, how to obtain informed consent, how to handle and store confidential data and how to provide additional safeguards when working with at-risk populations is an essential minimum first step in any assessment, intervention, monitoring or research.
We strive for a transparent culture where there is awareness of ethical challenges, and where there is understanding and agreement that such issues can and should be raised. All persons associated with CAW shall work towards preventing abuse or exploitation and promoting accountability. In case of any potential misconduct, persons associated with CAW shall immediately report the suspected misconduct to the Chair of the Board of Directors of CAW. Such reports provide for learning and constant improvement. Reports of misconduct should be made as adequate as possible, sent by secure mail/email to the Chair only, respecting private policy rules and principles.
CAW will support ‘whistle-blowers’ and will help identify complaints mechanisms that are accessible and trusted through which people, including those who are most isolated and/or most vulnerable (and thus often most at risk of abuse), can report concerns confidentially. When misconduct is reported or suspected, CAW will take relevant measures so that the incidents are investigated, and if appropriate and possible, remedy the situation. If any person or organization associated with CAW is considered to violate our code of ethics and conduct, CAW may take the actions regarded necessary and relevant, and if necessary and proportionate terminate the relationship to the person or organization.
CAW join other agencies in agreeing with the code of conduct for the international Red cross and Red crescent Movement:
The humanitarian imperative comes first
Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients andwithout adverse distinction of any kind
Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone
Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint. Weshall endeavour not to act as instruments of government foreign policy
We shall respect culture and custom
We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities
Ways shall be found to involve programme beneficiaries in the management ofrelief aid
Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well asmeeting basic needs
We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and to those fromwhom we accept resources
In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognizedisaster victims as dignified human beings, not hopeless objects