MSF considers itself a responsible employer and association, and this rests on the responsible behaviour of its members. We actively promote responsible behaviour and a working environment free of exploitation, harassment and abuse.
Within MSF, all members of staff and operational partners understand and adhere to the commitments below.
MSF offers ways for breaches to be reported at every level of the organisation and entail due consequences.
The commitments are a minimum behavioural standard and they may be strengthened for particular roles or locations.
Behavioural Commitments
- MSF staff members and operational partners shall behave respectfully and not discriminate against patients, colleagues or members of the local population on the basis of their race, opinions, lifestyle, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, origin, religion or beliefs and others markers of identity;
- MSF staff members and operational partners shall not abuse anyone physically (i.e. physical violence, sexual aggression or other form of physical abuse) or psychologically (e.g. bullying, abuse of power, harassment, discrimination or favouritism);
- MSF staff members and operational partners shall not accept, under any circumstances, behaviour that exploits the vulnerability of others, in the broadest possible sense (sexual, economic, social, etc.). This includes exchange of goods, benefits or services for acts of a sexual nature, including the use of sex workers' services while on assignment;
- MSF staff members and operational partners shall not accept child abuse, exploitation and violence and not engage in sexual relations with children;
- MSF staff members and operational partners shall not take advantage of their position for personal gain. Each member shall use MSF resources (including premises, goods, money, reputation, image etc.) with respect and care and in the interests of the organisation and the populations it seeks to assist.
