1. UNHCR CODE OF CONDUCT REFRESHER COURSE SOK
KARIBU
22-23 AUGUST 2007

2. *SESSION ONE *
INTRODUCTIONS

3. 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.

4. 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…

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. *SESSION 2 *
REVIEWING THE CODE

8. Parts of the CoC Introduction – why, who, how
5 core values and guiding principles
9 commitments
Notes on COC
Signature page

9. 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

10. (In a proverb or phrase)
5 core VALUES
Uphold UN values
Primary commitment to refugees
Professionalism
Non-discrimination
Respect cultures while upholding human rights
(In a proverb or phrase)

11. 9 commitments
1. Treat all refugees and other persons of concern fairly, and with respect and dignity 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.
5. Promote the safety, health and welfare of all UNHCR staff as a necessary condition for effective and consistent performance.

12. 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.
9. Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse, intimidation or favouritism in the workplace.
3 PARAGRAPHS

13. 9 commitments (contd)
In a phrase, a proverb

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. *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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. *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

24. 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

25. ASANTE SANA
Participation
Making a challenging task easy
KWAHERI