Published: 4 December 2006
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is committed to eliminate any acts of sexual exploitation and abuse by our own personnel.
Consistent with the Statement of Commitment on Eliminating Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN and non-UN Personnel, we consider that
• Sexual exploitation and abuse by one of our workers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are therefore grounds for termination of employment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sexual relationships between our personnel and beneficiaries are strongly discouraged since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics. Such relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.
• Where a worker develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a fellow worker, he or she must report such concerns via our reporting mechanisms.
The International Federation is committed to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse.
This is reflected in our staff code of conduct which stipulates that our staff, including volunteers and all those working on behalf of the International Federation shall “refrain from any acts of misconduct”.
These acts include forms of Abuse of Power, defined as abuse or misuse of position or influence or failure to use proper discretion, for personal benefit or to benefit another person. Abuse of power includes all forms of sexual exploitation.
We shall be urging our member National Societies to also adopt and implement this code of conduct. The International Federation’s policy of Zero Tolerance is being progresses through a number of practical measures:
* Systematically implementing recommendations from internal and peer evaluation processes to increase our accountability toward the people we serve;
* Instituting improved prevention measures in our human resource systems and procedures, including recruitment prescreening, and reporting and investigation;
* Promoting understanding on sexual exploitation and abuse and instituting measures for its prevention through training, workshops and other educational events;
* Joining other international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in reviewing the implementation and impact of actions taken.