Code Of Ethics

Code of Ethics of the Council for International Development Kaunihera mo te Whakapakari Ao Whanui

Leather Worker, India. The Leprosy Mission.

To be a member of Council for International Development (CID) agencies must adhere to the following Code of Ethics:

1.    Principles

(a)   Development is sustainable and encompasses the social, spiritual, cultural and economic well-being of people.

(b)   The poor are the most appropriate people to make decisions about their own development.

(c)   The ultimate test of development policies is their long-term effect on the lives for the poorest sectors of society, especially women and children.

(d)   Sustainable development involves the use of all resources for the benefit of future as well as present generations.

(e)   Issues of justice and peace, human rights and a sustainable environment cannot be considered separately from development issues.

(f)   The Treaty of Waitangi is fundamental to development in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and to our perspective of development issues internationally.

(g)   Development education in Aotearoa/New Zealand is an integral part of all development programmes.

(h)   In all promotional activity members should ensure that the dignity of aid recipients is recognised and advanced.

(i)   All promotional, educational and fundraising programmes should be consistent with the above principles.

 2.   Ethics

A member of the Council commits itself to:

a)    Treat fellow CID members with respect, honesty, dignity and courtesy;

b)    Not act or speak publicly in a manner that denigrates fellow CID members or their staff;

c)    Recognise the bi-cultural basis of Aotearoa New Zealand society and be committed to fostering the spirit and upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi;

d)    Accurately represent its purpose and practice and cost structures to CID and all stakeholders;

e)    Use factual and accurate information in any donor or public publications, media releases or other representations;

f)    Follow ethical fund raising practices that are respectful of the recipients and do not use exploitative or misleading images;

g)    Act with integrity at all times;

h)    Oppose and not knowingly be a party to any corruption, oppression or exploitation of the local recipient community.

 3.   Compliance with Code of Ethics

In the event of an alleged breach of the Code of Ethics, and failing a resolution of the problem through direct contact between the agency or agencies raising the matter and the agency concerned, the procedures set out in CID’s Constitution shall be followed:

 4.   Amending the Code of Ethics

Amendments to the Code can be made using the same procedures required in CID’s Constitution for an alteration to the Constitution.