Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

Introduction

In line with its vision and values, Global Aktion is committed to maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct amongst all its staff and activists and south partners. To help increase understanding, this Code of Conduct details Global Aktion’s expectations of employees and activists in key areas.

Scope and purpose:

This Code of Conduct applies to all contracted staff, international and local, employed by Global Aktion and our volunteering activists. Adapted Codes of Conduct are applicable to volunteers, partners, contractors and suppliers.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the conduct expected of Global Aktion staff and activists whilst under contract or active in Global Aktion and who acts on behalf of Global Aktion, and forms part of all contracts of employment. The Code is applicable at all times and on all levels. Breaches of the Code of Conduct are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Whilst recognising that local laws and cultures differ considerably from one country to another, Global Aktion is developed from international and UN standards. Global Aktion staff and activists are expected to uphold local law wherever they operate, except where the Code of Conduct is more stringent, in which case the Code applies.

Mission and values

Global Action’s Mission and Vision Statement

Vision

We want a fair world with equal access to power, opportunities and resources – regardless of geographical location, identity and background. A world where the planet’s resources benefit the many and not the few, and where people and the environment are valued more than profit.

Mission

We fight to strengthen a global movement for systemic change. A change that can create a fair distribution of society’s resources and political structures that distribute power and influence to all parts of the population rather than catering to the interests of a narrow elite. That is why we are included in partnerships and networks with like-minded social movements, organizations and groups. Through solidarity work, we strengthen the joint struggle for democratization of political and economic structures.

Our values

Our values are the basis of our daily work. They form the framework for our way of seeing the world and entering into relationships. This applies both internally in Global Aktion and externally in our collaboration with other movements and organizations. Our credibility depends on us visibly following our values.

Voluntariness as a guiding principle – We base all our work on volunteering, where the activists carry and develop the movement.
Activism – Activism is actions aimed at changing unjust systems locally as well as globally. Our activism is for everyone who shares our values, vision and mission.
Community and solidarity – We envision a global community, where everyone has the right to equal opportunities to live a dignified life in a just society.
Curiosity, respect and understanding – We meet each other and like-minded movements at eye level and with respect. We take responsibility for each other and support each other in our common struggle. We are curious, seek understanding and allow ourselves to be challenged in our views and attitudes, and we want to learn along the way.
System change – We work with the structural causes of global inequality and injustice rather than treating symptoms. Therefore, political battles for system change are at the core of our work. We believe that another world is possible and that even the most impossible battles can be won. Passivity is not an option.
Transparency, accountability and honesty – We strive to work openly, fairly and honestly. In Global Aktion, we are open about our activities, purposes, strategies, partners, finances, etc. as long as this does not endanger the safety of other people.

From all of Global Aktion employee and volunteer activists we expect:

That in Global Aktion we work with responsibility towards the collective. Therefore, you must work to the best of your ability for the interests of Global Aktion, which are defined by the collective, based on our vision, mission, statutes, strategies and other collective decisions.
That we work to promote diverse communities, where we are not racist and in practice do not discriminate on the basis of e.g. gender, age, skin color or physical limitations.
That we uphold the integrity and reputation of Global Aktion by ensuring that one’s professional and personal conduct is consistent with Global Aktion’s values and in our pracsis.
That we will treat all people fairly with respect and dignity
That we promote democratic and non-violent approaches and do not work with or support terrorist movements (UN’s definition), and as described in Global Aktion’s statutes.
When working in an international context or traveling internationally on behalf of Global Aktion, that one actively works to create as equal a partnership as possible, with a clear understanding of the power relations and one will be observant of all local laws and be sensitive to local customs
That we will seek to ensure that our conduct does not bring Global Aktion into disrepute and does not impact on or undermine our ability to undertake the role as employed or activist.
We will not work under the influence of alcohol or use, or be in possession of, illegal substances on Global Aktion premises or accommodation.
That conflicts are always resolved with active mediation and conflict resolution.
We do not engage in abusive or exploitative conduct when working for or on a mission for Global Aktion
Global Aktion does not work with individuals or organizations who have or wish to use violence or terror. Being it politically, economically or otherwise. Global Aktion follows the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN’s terrorist list.
That employees and volunteers cannot use Global Aktion or our partnerships to enrich themselves. Double salaries are not possible. All possible conflicts of interest must be reported to the board of Global Aktion.
That one will not engage in sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) or with persons where there is an unequal power relationship, e.g. representatives of southern partners who depend on our support and solidarity.
That we comply with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ guidelines on corruption and misuse of money and immediately react to this if you experience misuse or corruption.
That we will not make any exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour – all this is prohibited.
That we will not engage in any commercially exploitative activities with children or vulnerable adults including child labour or trafficking.
That we will not physically assault a child or vulnerable adult.
That we will not emotionally or psychologically abuse a child or vulnerable adult.
That we will ensure the safety, health and welfare of all Global Aktion staff and associated personnel (volunteers, partners, suppliers and contractors)
That one will adhere to all legal and organizational health and safety requirements in force at my location of work.
That a security plan is drawn up prior to travel, in collaboration with the secretariat.
That we will comply with any local security guidelines and be pro-active in informing Global Aktion of any necessary changes to such guidelines.
That we will behave in a manner such as to avoid any unnecessary risk to the safety, health and welfare of ourself and others, including partner organisations and communities with whom we work.
That we are responsible for the use of information, assets and resources to which one may have access by reason of employment with Global Aktion.
That we will ensure that one may use Global Aktion assets and resources entrusted to them in a responsible manner and will account for all money and property.
That we will not use Global Aktion IT equipment, software or e-mail and social media platforms to engage in activity that is illegal under local or international law or that encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offence. This includes any material that intimidates or harasses any group based on protected characteristics, or encourages extremism.
Thar we will not use Global Aktion IT equipment to view, download, create, distribute or save in any format inappropriate or abusive material including but not limited to pornography or depictions of child abuse
Perform our engagement in Global Aktion in a way that destroys or damages Global Aktion’s good name and reputation.
That we will declare any financial, personal or family (or close intimate relationship) interest in matters of official work which may impact on the work of Global Aktion
That we will not be involved in awarding benefits, contracts for goods or services, employment or promotion within Global Aktion, to any person with whom one may have a financial, personal, family (or close intimate relationship) interests.
That we will seek permission before agreeing to being nominated as a prospective candidates or another official role for any political party.
That we will not accept significant gifts or any remuneration from governments, communities with whom we work, donors, suppliers and other persons which have been offered to one as a result of our work with Global Aktion.

Uphold confidentiality

Many of the people we work with need protection and security. It is our job not to undermine our partner’s security. One must therefore be very careful with sharing information and make sure that others do not come into danger because of one’s actions.
We will exercise due care in all matters of official work, and not divulge any confidential information relating to colleagues, work-related matters or any sensitive information unless legally required to do so.

Complaints and reports

Global Aktion staff are obligated to bring to the attention of the relevant internal group any potential incident, abuse or concern that they witness, are made aware of, or suspect which appears to breach the Standards contained in this Code.
Staff members or activists who have a complaint or concern relating to breach of the Code should report it immediately to the board of Global Aktion.
Staff members receiving reports or concerns are obliged to act on the report and immediately as in the Global Aktion Complaints Policy and procedures.

Adopted at the board meeting April 2023, Updated in February 2025.