Code of conduct of the ICRC

03 May 2018

Our Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to meet fundamental principles and rules concerning ethical conduct in all our organizational activities. It is about operational excellence with integrity - which is the core of our organization's identity.

Embedding and upholding the standards of the Code of Conduct is critical to earn the trust of those persons we aim to assist and protect, of the affected communities we work with, of our donors, and of other stakeholders. We aim to create a culture in which everyone feels confident to raise concerns, knowing they will be handled in a reliable, fair and consistent manner.

The Code of Conduct helps us grow our culture of empowerment and accountability through coaching and learning of best practices. Rather than restricting us, the Code expands our options as it provides clarity on how we work and behave.

 Download the full version 

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP?

The Ethics, Risk and Compliance Office (ERCO) conducts investigations into misconduct and provides advice and reports to senior management.

Anyone concerned by potential misconduct – whether an employee or an outside stakeholder - can contact the ERCO. Through its confidential and secure reporting channels, the ICRC encourages all to report in good faith suspicion of fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. The ERCO treats all reports with utmost confidentiality and protects the identity of all whistle-blowers.

How can I contact ICRC's Ethics, Risk and Compliance Office?
There are several ways to report a concern or suspected misconduct under ICRC's Code of Conduct:

         Ethics, Risk and Compliance Office
         International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
         19, avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

Important: The IntegrityLine online form should not be used for reporting events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local emergency services.

For further details, see our Reporting Misconduct FAQs.

ICRC Code of Conduct 2023