IRC Way

Our Values: 

• Integrity: We are open, honest and trustworthy in dealing with clients, partners, co-workers, donors, funders and the communities we affect.  

• Service: We are responsible to the people we serve and the donors who enable our service.  

• Accountability: We are accountable—individually and collectively—for our behaviors, actions and results.  

• Equality: We strive for equal outcomes for all clients and colleagues by promoting equitable access to opportunities and services 

Our Commitments to Our Clients: 

The IRC helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. This requires our commitment to further their well-being and act with honor in carrying out the vital humanitarian role that has been entrusted to us. IRC workers commit to: 

• Respect the dignity, values, history, religion and culture of those we serve. 

• Select clients according to need, in line with program specifications, without regard to race, creed, nationality or other distinction.  

• Protect clients from all forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking activities.  

• Exercise special care to safeguard children.  

• Respect confidentiality, abide by data-protection protocols, and share personal information about clients on a need-to-know basis in line with donor rules.  

• Portray clients as dignified human beings in any images used in IRC communications, and use images only of individuals who have provided informed consent.  

• Ensure IRC research involving human subjects is properly approved before it begins. 

IRC workers should avoid: 

• Recruiting clients to work for IRC staff in a personal capacity (e.g., as domestic workers).  

• Engaging in any forms of intimidating, humiliating, degrading or aggressive behavior towards clients.  

• Physically punishing or disciplining clients.  

• Sexual activity or intimate relationships of any kind with clients of any age.  

• Transactional sex regardless of local laws that may permit it.  

• Coercing clients to sell or relinquish relief items. 

You should report: 

• Exploitation of clients in any form.  

• Corrupt or biased decisions to include or exclude clients.  

• Abuse of power or position in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  

• Inappropriate disclosure of confidential information related to clients.