Behavioral commitments

Preamble

MSF considers itself a responsible employer and association, and this rests on the responsible behavior of its members. There is a mutual and complementary role of the employee and the employer to prevent, detect, and address unacceptable behavior, and MSF staff should deploy the means to inform its patients and direct beneficiaries on the behavioral commitments stated below.

Within MSF, all members of staff (employees, including staff on international assignment, volunteers, and daily workers) and operational partners (including consultants and guests) understand and adhere to the commitments below, incorporate them into their professional and personal conduct, and abide by them. Should this not be the case, MSF offers channels for reporting at every level of the organization, and any non-compliance will entail due consequences.

These Behavioral Commitments are considered a minimum behavioral standard; more specific rules may apply to MSF staff members depending on the context in which they work and their area of activity.

Behavioral commitments

1. 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, socioeconomic background, origin, religion or beliefs, and others markers of identity;
2. 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 favoritism);
3. MSF staff members and operational partners shall not accept, under any circumstances, behavior that exploits the vulnerability of others, in the broadest possible sense (sexual, economic, social, etc.). This includes the exchange of goods, benefits, or services for acts of a sexual nature, including the use of sex workers' services while on assignment;
4. MSF staff members and operational partners shall not accept child abuse, exploitation, and violence and shall not engage in sexual relations with children;
5. 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 organization and the populations it seeks to assist.

MSF-USA is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion, and respect of diversity. As core principles inextricably linked to our success; equity, inclusion, and respect of diversity allow us to carry out our social mission and serve our patients. Please read the MSF-USA statement on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for more information.