RAISA Policies and Code of Conduct

Implementing a Do No Harm approach and ensuring safety and security for RIASA members and partners is paramount in any initiative, especially one dealing with sensitive issues like transitional justice for the Rohingya community. We take do-no-harm approach in our consideration for organizing the project activities and we do risk-assessment for our members considering our activities before the start of the project. We conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. Assess risks related to physical safety, digital security, and psychological well-being.

We prioritized our members’ confidentiality and anonymity. We use coded to pseudonymous identifiers in communications on signal platform and documents to protect individuals' identities. All our documents are stored on the Box link and only the founder has access to these documents. All names and phone numbers were coded into discrete numbers. We establish secure communication channel for internal and external communication. Use encrypted messaging apps and email services to protect sensitive information.

For training, we obtain informed consent from all participants, clearly explaining the purpose of the initiative, potential risks, and how their information will be used. Ensure participants understand the sensitivity of the topics being discussed.

RAISA is committed to fostering a work environment that is free from gender discrimination, harassment, and violence against women and girls. This policy outlines our zero-tolerance approach towards any form of gender-based discrimination or harassment and establishes guidelines for preventing and addressing such behavior within our organization.

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, partners, contractors, and stakeholders affiliated with RAISA, regardless of their position or role within the organization. It encompasses all forms of gender discrimination, harassment, and violence against women and girls, including but not limited to verbal, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.

1.

RAISA Principles for policy

RAISA is guided by the following principles in preventing and addressing gender discrimination and harassment:

- Respect for human rights: We uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of gender, and strive to create an inclusive and equitable work environment.

- Zero tolerance: We have zero tolerance for any form of gender-based discrimination, harassment, or violence, and we are committed to taking prompt and decisive action to address such behavior.

- Confidentiality and privacy: We respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals who report incidents of discrimination or harassment and ensure that their rights and well-being are protected throughout the process.

- Accountability and transparency: We hold all individuals accountable for their actions and behaviors, including senior management, and we are transparent in our response to complaints and investigations.

2.

Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited within RAISA:

- Gender discrimination: Treating individuals differently or unfairly on the basis of gender, including in recruitment, promotion, training, and other employment-related decisions.

- Harassment: Engaging in unwelcome conduct of a sexual, verbal, physical, or psychological nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.

- Sexual harassment: Making unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

- Retaliation: Taking adverse action against an individual for reporting incidents of gender discrimination or harassment, participating in investigations, or exercising their rights under this policy.

3.

Reporting Mechanism

RAISA encourages individuals who experience or witness gender discrimination or harassment to report the incident promptly to their supervisor or designated focal point, RAISA secretary and director. Reports can be made verbally or in writing, and confidentiality will be fully maintained possible.

4.

. Investigation and Response

RAISA will promptly and impartially investigate all reports of gender discrimination or harassment in accordance with established procedures. Investigations will be conducted in a fair, transparent, and confidential manner, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against individuals found to have violated this policy.

5.

Support and Remedial Measures

RAISA is committed to providing support and assistance to individuals who have experienced gender discrimination or harassment. This may include access to counseling services, medical support, legal advice, and other forms of assistance to address the impact of the incident and facilitate recovery.

6.

Training and Awareness

RAISA will provide regular training and awareness-raising initiatives on gender equality, diversity, and anti-harassment measures to all employees, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders. Training will focus on promoting understanding, prevention, and response to gender discrimination and harassment.

7.

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in preventing and addressing gender discrimination and harassment. RAISA will monitor compliance with the policy and take corrective action as necessary to uphold its principles and objectives.

RAISA is committed to fostering a culture of respect, equality, and dignity for all individuals, and we recognize that preventing and addressing gender discrimination and harassment is essential to achieving our mission and goals. By adhering to this policy and working together, we can create a safe and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to positive change.

RAISA is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of its operations and interactions. This Code of Conduct outlines the principles and guidelines that govern the behavior of all employees, volunteers, board members, partners, contractors, and stakeholders associated with RAISA.

Ethical Principles

Integrity: We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all our dealings, and we uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Respect: We treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and professionalism, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.

Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions and are accountable to our stakeholders, partners, and the communities we serve.

Confidentiality: We respect the confidentiality of sensitive information entrusted to us and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of individuals' personal and organizational data.

Compliance: We comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies, and we strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in our conduct and decision-making.

Conflict of Interest: We identify and disclose any conflicts of interest that may arise in the course of our work and take appropriate measures to manage and mitigate them.

RAISA Standards of Conduct

Professionalism: We always conduct ourselves in a professional manner and adhere to RAISA's policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Harassment-Free Environment: We promote a work environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation of any kind, including sexual harassment.

Conflicts of Interest: We avoid conflicts of interest and refrain from engaging in activities or relationships that may compromise our objectivity, impartiality, or integrity.

Use of Resources: We use RAISA's resources, including funds, assets, and facilities, responsibly and for legitimate organizational purposes only.

Transparency: We are transparent in our communications, decision-making processes, and interactions with stakeholders, and we provide accurate and timely information to the best of our ability.

Reporting Violations: We encourage individuals to report any violations of this Code of Conduct or unethical behavior to their supervisor, HR department, or designated focal point, and we commit to investigating and addressing such reports promptly and impartially.

Implementation and Enforcement

Training and Awareness: RAISA provides regular training and awareness-raising initiatives on ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance with this Code of Conduct to all employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Compliance Monitoring: RAISA monitors compliance with this Code of Conduct and takes appropriate corrective action in cases of non-compliance, including disciplinary measures as warranted by the severity of the violation.

Review and Revision: This Code of Conduct is periodically reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in promoting ethical conduct and integrity within RAISA.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we demonstrate our commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability in all our interactions and endeavors. Together, we contribute to the achievement of RAISA's mission and goals while upholding the trust and confidence of our stakeholders and the communities we serve.