Code of Conduct

The Max Kuma Community Development Foundation is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all individuals involved in the work we do. Our target groups, refugees and other vulnerable persons of the community, must be protected while we serve them. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviours and principles that guide our interactions and activities. Our motto “We empower to dignify” should be reflected in our daily interactions with our target population and other members of the community.

1. Respect and Dignity

   1. Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and courtesy, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs.

   2. Listen actively and considerately to others' perspectives, valuing diverse viewpoints and experiences

   3. Refrain from engaging in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

       

2. Integrity and Accountability

   1. Conduct all activities with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

   2. Take responsibility for one's actions and decisions, acknowledging mistakes and learning from them. 

   3. Adhere to ethical standards and legal requirements in all interactions and operations.

       

3. Collaboration and Cooperation: 

   1. Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support within the work environment and community.

   2. Respect the contributions and expertise of others, acknowledging and giving credit where it is due. 

   3. Communicate openly and constructively, seeking consensus and resolving conflicts peacefully.

       

4. Safety and Well-being: 

   1. Prioritize the safety, well-being, and welfare of all community members. 

   2. Report any concerns or incidents related to safety, harassment, or misconduct promptly and appropriately. 

   3. Provide support and assistance to those in need, including access to resources and services.
       

5. Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation: 

   1. Zero Tolerance: The Max Kuma Community Development Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and misconduct of any form. 

   2. Clear Guidelines: We provide clear guidelines and training to all members regarding appropriate behaviour, and reporting procedures related to sexual abuse and exploitation. 

   3. Reporting Mechanisms: Our reporting mechanism establishes confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for individuals to report incidents or concerns related to sexual abuse or exploitation. 

   4. Support Services: We ensure access to support services, counselling, and assistance for survivors of sexual abuse or exploitation, prioritizing their well-being and recovery.

   5. Accountability: Hold perpetrators of sexual abuse or exploitation accountable for their actions through fair and impartial investigation processes, disciplinary measures, and, if necessary, legal action.
       

Also, we work in accordance with the IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, 2019, published on the 23. 09.2019 as seen below:

1. Sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are therefore grounds for termination of employment.

2. Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief regarding the age of a child is not a defence.

3. Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour is prohibited. This includes exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.

4. Any sexual relationship between those providing humanitarian assistance and protection and a person benefitting from such humanitarian assistance and protection that involves improper use of rank or position is prohibited. Such relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.

5. Where a humanitarian worker develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a fellow worker, whether in the same agency or not, he or she must report such concerns via established agency reporting mechanisms.

6. Humanitarian workers are obliged to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of their code of conduct. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems which maintain this environment.