Code of Conduct

Pakistan Humanitarian Forum – Code of Conduct

Introduction

Pakistan Humanitarian Forum has implemented a comprehensive code of conduct that applies to all its members. This code serves as a guiding framework to uphold and promote humanitarian principles and values. By signing this code, members make a commitment to abide by its principles, thereby dedicating themselves to maintaining these standards in their professional and personal endeavors. The code of conduct reflects the organization’s belief that its members will consistently exhibit behavior in line with these principles.

Establishing and Maintaining Humanitarian Principles

Humanitarian principles are central to establishing and maintaining access to affected populations whether in the context of a natural disaster, an armed conflict or a complex emergency.

The PHF Code of Conduct establishes, maintains and promotes humanitarian principles and values by its members. The Code of Conduct outlines principles which all members must adhere to in their work and is signed by all members. It is expected that in signing this code, members commit to ensuring their conduct lives up to these principles in the course of their work.

A fundamental basis for PHF members is to respect and advocate for the beneficiaries right to give and receive humanitarian assistance.

Humanity

Protecting Life, Health, and Dignity

Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings.

Neutrality

Impartiality: Aid Based on Need Alone

Humanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint. Humanitarian assistance will be given on the basis of need and need alone.

Impartiality

No Distinction: Upholding Non-Discrimination

Humanitarian action must be carried out on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress and making no distinction on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinions.

Operational independence

Operational Autonomy and Independence

Humanitarian action must be autonomous from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being implemented. We will not knowingly – or through negligence – allow ourselves or our employees to be used to gather information of a political, military or economically sensitive nature for governments, nor will we act as instruments of foreign policy of donor governments.

Accountability

Ensuring Two-Way Communication and Involvement

PHF members are accountable towards beneficiaries. Members will strive for beneficiary involvement at all stages of the project cycles and ensure that vulnerable and marginalized groups are involved in the decision making process for issues that impact them and their families and communities. Genuine attempts will also be made to ensure that two-way communication strategies between all stakeholders are put in place to improve overall service delivery to program participants.

Rights-based Approach

Strategies Based on Equity and Solidarity

Members shall strive to address vulnerabilities and inequalities; by doing so respecting the basic rights of everyone for life in dignity. Members should recognize everyone as a member of society with the right to be equally supported and empowered. Members will choose strategies based on values of respect, equity, solidarity and justice. Members will avoid strategies that potentially stereotype, sensationalize or discriminate against people, situations, or places.