Behavioural guidelines & dealing with inappropriate behaviour
As a humanitarian organization, MSF does not tolerate any form of abuse and discrimination, including abuse of power and harassment. The integrity of our organization is maintained through the good conduct of all staff - in every location and with the full respect for the people we serve.
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As a humanitarian organization, MSF does not tolerate any form of abuse and discrimination, including abuse of power and harassment. The integrity of our organization is maintained through the good conduct of all staff - in every location and with the full respect for the people we serve.
MSF leadership is unequivocally committed to combating abuse and strengthening mechanisms and procedures to prevent and address misconduct. This includes improving grievance mechanisms at all levels of the organization and supporting victims and whistleblowers.
We expect all staff to fulfill their role of helping people in need, adhere to the guiding principles set out in our Charter and uphold professional ethics.
This means that we will not tolerate behaviour by staff that exploits the vulnerability of others or abuses their position for personal gain. We do not tolerate physical or psychological abuse of persons, sexual harassment, sexual relations with minors, or any behaviour that does not respect human dignity.
Regrettably, however, even MFS cannot exclude the possibility of misconduct by individuals. It is important for us to emphasize that every case of exploitation and abuse is one case too many and will in no way be tolerated. Hence, we are focusing our attention particularly on efforts to improve our prevention, reporting and follow-up mechanisms, which are described below.
Our grievance mechanisms
MSF has long had procedures in place to prevent, identify, report, and respond to misconduct, harassment, or abuse of any kind in a determined manner. Various personal and anonymous complaint and reporting mechanisms are in place, encouraging all staff members to report inappropriate behaviour and abuse - either through their supervisors or specific reporting channels outside any hierarchical structure, with email addresses dedicated to this purpose. Victims or witnesses from the general public are also asked to report misconduct to us.
The first step: raising awareness
For several years now, MSF has conducted a broad awareness campaign to inform all staff members about the mechanisms available to them to report abuse. This information is disseminated through various channels, including staff guides, and through briefings, project visits and trainings. Special awareness-raising events are organized in our projects on a regular basis. Electronic briefings and learning modules on how to behave in project settings and how to deal with abuse are also being improved and updated.
In all these areas, further measures have been taken in recent years. Responsible teams have been increased in staff, and new tools have been developed to improve awareness, prevention, and detection of unacceptable behaviour. Data collection and data sharing across the MSF international network have also been optimized. We assume that the increased public awareness on this issue has most likely contributed to increased awareness and reporting overall.
Confidential treatment of whistleblowers
When misconduct has been reported, the safety and health of victims and whistleblowers, as well as measures to support them, are a top priority for us that receives immediate attention. This may include, for example, providing affected persons with psychological and medical care, and ensuring that they receive legal assistance.
MSF is dedicated to handling such situations with utmost confidentiality for victims and witnesses, which is extremely important for affected persons who consent to MSF investigating allegations. Where necessary, investigations will be launched to establish the facts, take appropriate action and preventive measures for the future, or impose sanctions. Possible consequences for the staff members concerned include official warnings and compulsory training, or temporary or permanent termination of employment.
MSF will always respect the victim's decision to take a matter to court or not. In cases of sexual abuse of minors, MSF's policy is to report the case to the judicial authorities, depending on what is in the best interest of the child, and the legal procedures available.
MSF is working hard to break down any barriers that may prevent people from reporting abuse - one of our biggest challenges at present. We are continuously working on improving awareness of abuse reporting mechanisms throughout the organization, as well as on the complaint mechanisms themselves.
Creating and maintaining a working environment free from abuse and harassment is an ongoing endeavour for which we are all responsible. We are committed to not harming the vulnerable people we serve.
