Introduction:
Due to the work nature of Mwatana for Human Rights in human rights and related activities, this code of conduct is considered control reference for conduct, ethics and criteria for the organization on all levels to achieve a high level of efficiency and professional entrepreneurial work to promote and protect human rights not contrary to international laws, customs and standards relevant to the principles of work in the fields of human rights.
Principles:
-Mwatana is committed to achieving the highest standards of investigation and research in order to gain access to accurate accounts and data of human rights violations.
-In outputs, Mwatana abides by using precise legal descriptions of violation incidents in accordance with the relevant international and domestic laws and legislations.
To sustain its independence, Mwatana avoids any activity that may create conflict with its mission of protecting and promoting human rights.
Mwatana neither supports any political party, nor acts as a political tool for a local actor or a foreign policy. Mwatana operates independently of governments and has its own implementation programs and policies.
Mwatana’s policies and activities are not defined by any profit-making body, donor, government, government official, political party, political or religious individuals or groups whether local, regional or international.
Mwatana always takes sides of victims of human rights violations despite their political, social and cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations.
Mwatana is autonomous according to an organizational structure chosen in line with professional standards.
-Mwatana does not place itself under any financial or moral obligation for any other party or organization which may affect its work or may create a perception of a presence of an influence on its performance.
-As a non-profit organization, Mwatana is not engaged in any commercial businesses in any of its details that is inconsistent with its stated objectives.
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-The organization is also developing financial and administrative systems including clear employment policies and procedures based on fair foundations and standards identifying a minimum wage to ensure the minimum standards of dignified human life.
-Mwatana follows a responsible, clear and transparent policy regarding its mission, objectives and governing principles for its work towards the public whether they are victims, perpetrators, partners or supporters.
-Mwatana aims at achieving high standards of transparency, accountability, governance and good management in its financial and administrative system, decision making and the approach of work and funding. All its financial operations are subject to independent audit both at the level of each project and at the level of each financial year.
Mwatana adheres to the principle of legal and ethical accountability in all its dealings within and outside the organization in accordance with specific mechanisms stated in its policies.
-Mwatana responds to the fears and interests of violations’ victims and witnesses respecting their rights and preserving their human dignity.
-Mwatana abides by the principles of respect, dignity and human liberty.
“Mwatana” believes that human rights are universal and must be accessible to all without exception. All people are equal as human beings and in the dignity inherent in every human being. Therefore, no body shall suffer discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, language, religion, political opinion, ethnic or social origin, disability, fortune, birth or on any other basis.
To achieve progress, Mwatana spares no effort to make positive change to the people who are subjected to or vulnerable to human rights violations. Mwatana makes use of every opportunity to promote its cause. Mwatana works in difficult situations requiring long term attention in order to bring about a concrete impact.
Mwatana abides by the principle of rejecting violence. It refuses engaging in, justifying or promoting all forms of violence.
Mwatana adheres to the principle of openness to all opinions, constructive criticisms, comments and complaints received while adopting constructive dialogue and serious discussion for addressing any problem or taking a decision.
Mwatana welcomes work and coordination from time to time with activists and other organizations under the condition of their commitment to work in a way that does not affect the organization’s independence and promotes joint work meant to bring about maximum positive impact in human rights reality.
Mwatana believes in victims’ right to have a voice that impacts their lives and interests including the right to know the fate of their cause and means of redress.
-Mwatana considers any information or data that may harm the victims of violations or witnesses and their interests, or Mwatana’s interests if revealed or published as confidential and unpublishable.
Mwatana develops filing and decision documentation systems, maintains information security, regulates the non-destruction of records, believes in free access to information unless this conflicts with the interest of the victims and witnesses.
Any materials or outputs produced by Mwatana are property of Mwatana. They are not allowed to be used in a way that is harmful to the organization or without referring to Mwatana or for commercial purposes. Likewise, Mwatana is committed to uphold copyright laws in case it uses materials or outputs belonging to other parties.
Supporting local and International human rights movements Mwatana works independently though it sometimes works closely depending on relationships with extended network of local and international actors in the civil society sharing experience and raising impact level.
Mwatana opposes any attacks on the civil society globally and defends the space in which human rights movements work.
Mwatana is committed to developing effective policies and guarantees to prevent any position that may affect the objectivity and independence of the decisions of Mwatana’s members during their duties whether the position is a materialistic or moral interest for themselves or for relatives and close friends, or hostilities, and hatred that may harm the other’s interests, or any direct or indirect personal considerations that may adversely affect the quality of the organization’s work.
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Mwatana believes in full gender equality in all professional and organizational levels of work. To that end, Mwatana’s policies ensure that at least 50% of the team be women.
We are aware that workplace diversity enriches and helps to carry out work effectively.
Because of the nature of our work in Mwatana, we are committed to respond quickly and effectively to urgent situations without compromising our principles.
We seek to have a professional work team capable of innovation. We encourage our staff to invent new ways to accomplish our mission and optimize impact. We believe there is a need to provide intensive training for our staff and to encourage them to share knowledge and experience. We support their efforts to learn new skills that contribute to our cause. We seek to promote professional development and creating just and positive working conditions in a safe and secure workplace. We seek to guarantee fair wages, competitiveness, equal opportunities, taking thoughtful steps to ensure the safety of staff, providing a balanced and healthy work environment for staff in accordance with a sensitive mental health management for male and female workers.
Mwatana adheres to the special principles on safeguarding . It adopts zero tolerance policy with any proven allegations by official investigation in cases of bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment or assault by its employees, any of its contractors or beneficiaries. The organization encourages reporting allegations where they will be handled confidentially and formal action will be taken for resolution. The organization will do all activities and take preventive measures that limit the likelihood of the occurrence of such practices.
Mwatana relies mainly on grants received from agencies, institutions and individuals to continue its work. Yet, when it receives any fund, it investigates on periodical basis if the supporter, either individuals, institutions, governmental bodies, assists one party to the conflict that violates human rights to name but a few (selling or providing arms and providing logistical and political support).
