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UNHCR CODE OF CONDUCT REFRESHER COURSE SOK. KARIBU 22-23 AUGUST 2007. *SESSION ONE *. INTRODUCTIONS. Objectives –why are we here. Refresh our memories, deepen understanding of CoC (old and new S/M) Understand links between CoC and related docs.
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UNHCR CODE OF CONDUCT REFRESHER COURSESOK KARIBU 22-23 AUGUST 2007
*SESSION ONE * • INTRODUCTIONS
Objectives –why are we here • Refresh our memories, deepen understanding of CoC (old and new S/M) • Understand links between CoC and related docs. • Consider selected commitments and values in CoC • Identify areas of improvement in our performance and relations.
Ground rules HOW DO WE INTERACT TODAY • Speak for yourself, not on behalf of others • Be open to all comments and diverse opinions • Be respectful of others • Share the floor (speaking time) • Don’t criticise others by name or group affiliation • Keep what is said confidential • Be gender- and culturally sensitive • Avoid sarcasm or negativity • Phones on silent mode/off • Step out less often. • Kiss –keep it short & simple • Treat the fellow in front as a Facilitator not trainer • Etc…
What is a code • Idea of what an organization/institution believes in and how they commit to act. • May be there for many years – ours is young. • Has five parts, talks about both values and behaviour.
Why does UNHCR have a code of conduct • External factors • Negative media reports of actual incidents. • General negative perception by public • Internal factors • Need to uphold the highest standards (efficiency, competence and integrity) • Guide us in handling situations. Ethical decisions in professional and at times in private lives. • Understand obligations placed on our conduct by UN charter on int’l civil service (1954) and staff rules and regulations.
*SESSION 2 * • REVIEWING THE CODE
Parts of the CoC • Introduction – why, who, how • 5 core values and guiding principles • 9 commitments • Notes on COC • Signature page
Introduction of CoC • Why- as a guide to handle ethical issues • Who – All people working in UNHCR- interns, UNV, UNOPS, TAs, Regular contract holders. • How – understanding and applying it
5 core VALUES • Uphold UN values • Primary commitment to refugees • Professionalism • Non-discrimination • Respect cultures while upholding human rights (In a proverb or phrase)
9 commitments 1. Treat all refugees and other persons of concern fairly, and with respect and dignity. 4 PARAGRAPHS 2. Uphold the integrity of UNHCR, by ensuring that my personal and professional conduct is, and is seen to be, of the highest standard. 2 PARAGRAPHS 3. Perform my official duties and conduct my private affairs in a manner that avoids conflicts of interest, thereby preserving and enhancing public confidence in UNHCR. 3 PARAGRAPHS 4. Contribute to building a harmonious workplace based on team spirit, mutual respect and understanding. 3 PARAGRAPHS 5. Promote the safety, health and welfare of all UNHCR staff as a necessary condition for effective and consistent performance. 2 PARAGRAPHS
9 commitments (contd) 6. Safeguard and make responsible use of the information and resources to which I have access by reason of my employment with UNHCR. 2 PARAGRAPHS 7. Prevent, oppose, and combat all exploitation and abuse of refugees and other persons of concern. 4 PARAGRAPHS 8. Refrain from any involvement in criminal or unethical activities, activities that contravene human rights, or activities that compromise the image and interests of UNHCR. 2 PARAGRAPHS 9. Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse, intimidation or favouritism in the workplace. 3 PARAGRAPHS
9 commitments (contd) • In a phrase, a proverb
9 commitments (broad divisions) • Refugees- 1-treat with respect, 7- zero tolerance to exploitation/abuse. • Personal conduct. 2- maintain highest standards 3- avoid conflict of interest 8- no illegal unethical behaviour
9 commitments- broad divisions (contd) • Workplace 4-build harmonious workplace 8- no harassment, discrimination, abuse • Safety, health and welfare 5- individual and common responsibility • Information/resources 6- safeguard and use properly
How binding is CoC • It’s a declarative document. Other documents build/expand on the CoC. Not legal • Ethical guide for UNHCR staff • Detailed guidance and advice • Emphasized in S.G.’s bulletin • Formulation base for Kenya CoC (PSEA)
*SESSION 3*OTHER GUIDES that relate to CoC • UN charter – legally binding. • Staff rules and regulations – legally binding. • Standards of conduct for int’l civil service(1954) ************************************************** • Notes on the code • S.G.s Bulletin • Inter-agency code - Kenya • Policy on harassment
Relation of 4 docs to CoC Take one doc for 10 min in a group and assess: • What dos it cover? • Which values or commitments does it link to? • What does it add to the code?. Report back in brief
LINKS to CoC- Notes on the code • Covers the code step by step in detail. • Why the code was developed, for whom, legal status. • Importance of each statement –examples from UNHCR • Reference to staff rules/regulations
LINKS to CoC- Kenyan code • Covers areas similar to UNHCR CoC. • Applies to all humanitarian agencies working with refugees and are signatory. • Focuses on prevention of corruption. • Addresses issues of refugees working for humanitarian agencies
LINKS to CoC- S G’s bulletin • Defines sexual exploitation/abuse as misconduct (rules and regulations). • Applies to all UN staff • Defines staff/managers responsibility in dealing with partners and authorities • Defines a minor. • Prohibits sexual relations by UN staff with a minor. • Link to all 5 values • Link to commitment 8, 7 and 1
LINKS to CoC- Policy on harassment • Focuses on definitions, responses, procedures wrt harassment in workplace, sexual harassment and abuse of power. • Links to values 1,3,4,5 and commitments 4 and 9.
*SESSION 4*APPLYING THE CODE Exercise • focuses on two of the four objectives No. 3- consider selected commitments and values. No. 4- identify areas of improvement in our performance and relations. • Discuss the selected scenario in your group – 10 min. • Answer questions and report back
BO Nairobi-APPLYING THE CODE • Plenary discussion on scenarios. What does the code advises us How relevant is the situation to BON • Does the code answer concerns for us in SOK • In what ways are we applying it in our work and lives. • Are there areas we need to improve • Are there issues in our ethical standards we need to discuss more
ASANTE SANA • Participation • Making a challenging task easy KWAHERI