Recognition
UN ECOSOC consultative status
Operation Mercy is in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2014.
Core Humanitarian Standard
Operation Mercy strongly supports the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).
Code of conduct
We are a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief. Therefore:
The humanitarian imperative comes first.
Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind. Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone.
Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.
We shall endeavour not to act as instruments of government foreign policy.
We shall respect culture and custom.
We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities.
Ways shall be found to involve programme beneficiaries in the management of relief aid.
Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs.
We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources.
In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognise disaster victims as dignified humans, not hopeless objects.
Data privacy
We are delighted that you have shown interest in Operation Mercy. Your data privacy is our priority. We do not share your personal data with third parties.
At times, we may process personal information for certain legitimate business purposes, such as to identify and prevent fraud, enhance the security of our network and information systems, and better understand how people interact with our website.
Data Privacy Policy (PDF)Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is the act of informing an independent authority, appointed by Operation Mercy, of a misconduct that has not been handled by local policy and leadership after they have been made aware of it.
By providing this channel for reporting misconduct, we hope to be able to handle misconduct swiftly, fairly and with transparency, without endangering our reputation or having people accused unjustly.
Concerns
The concerns should relate to behaviour, conflict, or disagreements over contracts and payments, and should relate to a specific malpractice or wrongdoing by a staff member, consultant, contractor or volunteer over which the management of Operation Mercy has authority and control.
Situations should first be reported within the regular policy system and to the local leadership. Should those systems seem unable or unwilling to act, when a specific wrongdoing is not covered by local policy, or if a staff person does not feel treated fairly in this system, the whistleblowing option is open to them.
How to report your concerns
Due to the linguistic and cultural diversity of our staff, there are two possible ways to file a concern:
Your in-country policy and staff representative
This supports whistle-blowers who wish to make a complaint in their own language or to a familiar person.
What to include in your report
- Clearly state the facts and details of the concern. If the report involves a child, vulnerable adult or beneficiary, do not disclose their name(s) or details.
- Reports can be sent anonymously, but anonymous reports are very difficult to investigate. The Whistleblowing Committee encourages you to provide a contact name and a telephone number or email address.
- If you do not have access to a computer or telephone, give your report to the appointed person in your location.
We are committed to making sure that both options are independent and confidential.