Values & Principles

The INGO Forum promotes and is guided by the following Values and Principles:

  • We respect humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality and independence as outlined in the International Committee of the Red Cross Code of Conduct:
    • Humanity: Promotion and advocacy for the right to life with dignity and security and undertaking all possible steps to prevention or alleviation of human suffering
    • Impartiality and non-proselytizing: Assistance provided is based on need alone, not based on nationality, race, religion or political point of view
    • Independence: Delivering aid independently from political, economic, or military objectives
  • We apply a principle of do no harm and endeavour to work collaboratively with affected communities and authorities, to minimise any negative effects of humanitarian action on the local community or the environment. With respect to armed conflict, we recognise that the way in which humanitarian assistance is provided may potentially render civilians more vulnerable to attack, or sometimes may bring unintended advantage to one or more of the parties to the conflict. We are committed to minimising any such adverse effects, in so far as this is consistent with the humanitarian principles outlined above.
  • We believe in an enabling environment as the common ground for our members to operate effectively and efficiently.
  • We are accountable to those who we seek to assist, to those providing the resources, and to the legal authorities.  Through our policies, structures and procedures, and in our actions, we ensure we are accountable, answering to beneficiaries, to our partners, members and stakeholders.
  • We operate as a Non-profit: The purpose of existence is other than making profit
  • We will not discriminate against any individual or group on the grounds of gender, political affiliation, ethnic origin, religious belief or sexual orientation.
  • We maintain high levels of integrity and professionalism across all spheres of conduct.
  • We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse of all forms and adhere to the Code of Conduct for members to prevent and protect against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).