VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

SAFE, RESPECTFUL AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

• Ensure that all children and young people you are in contact with through the programme or Online Volunteers platform feel welcome;
• Always address them appropriately, politely, respecting cultural and other differences;
• Ensure that all participants have an equal opportunity to participate and express their views;
• Ensure, if possible, that another adult is present when you work with children;
• Your conduct must not in any way provoke unwanted, inappropriate or risky situations;
• Ensure that during the planned activities, participants are not exposed to inappropriate content from other sources;
• Refrain from:
  • physical contacts with participants, except those related to the purpose of the programme;
  • giving gifts to children and providing services that are not within the framework of the programme or planned activities;
  • private conversations, i.e. sharing private information, including through social networks and ICT channels;
  • spending time with participants outside the agreed time slot for volunteering activity.

PROTECTION AGAINST VIOLENCE, ABUSE, NEGLECT, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION

No conduct is allowed that may lead to:

• physical injury (physical violence);
• damage to dignity, mental and emotional health (psychological violence);
• exclusion of a child from the group / activities (social violence);
• harm to another person and dignity through ICT abuse (cyberbullying).

Any activity of sexual character is prohibited:

• sexual harassment, inducing or forcing a child to observe or participate in sexual activities;
• abuse for prostitution, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation;
• any other conduct that is or may be related to sexuality or activities of sexual nature.

Any conduct is prohibited that:

• represents child abuse or child exploitation;
• has the character of neglect and negligent treatment;
• represents human trafficking;
• promotes, incites and enables participation in ideologically motivated violence.

No form of direct or indirect child discrimination or discriminatory treatment (unjustified differentiation or unequal treatment, i.e. exclusion, restriction or preferential treatment on any grounds) is permitted.

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

• It is prohibited to:
  • take photographs and record children, or publish photographs and recordings in any way (including through ICT technologies), except as part of the programme and subject to previously obtaining signed consent forms and implementing protection measures against unauthorised use of the records;
  • collect, process and disclose children's personal information, except to the extent necessary for the implementation of the programme. Personal data of a child must not be disclosed to unauthorised persons.
  The prohibition also applies to cases where the consent of the parents/caregiver has been obtained, if the information is not disclosed for the purpose of implementing the programme.
• Information provided to a volunteer for one purpose must not be used for other purposes without the consent of the young person, unless there is immediate danger to the child, volunteer or third person, or such information concerns an exposure to violence or abuse of children and adolescents.

RISK RESPONSE

• Inform organisers of any risks, threats, judgements or inappropriate situations;
• Report any violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination you are aware of or suspect that it has occurred, is occurring or is planned;
• Contact the organisers if you have any guidance on how to improve security, respect for the rights and needs of all participants and volunteers.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

• During the course of the programme, you are representatives of the programme and your external communication should be based on respect and understanding;
• Always comply with the following guidelines for social media posts. When using social networks, it is important to assess the implications of "posting" content (regardless of whether it is your original content or the content of a third party), "commenting" and "connecting", and even "handing out", "liking" or "following". Each of us is personally responsible for any content we post on social networks. Bear in mind that, even if you post a disclaimer (such as "These are my personal views"), the social media community may still view you as a UNICEF representative Seemingly innocuous views on, for example, details on travel or lunch, personal or professional, may be misinterpreted as reflecting the conduct of UNICEF associates. Avoid posts, discussions and comments that are or may be interpreted as negative, mocking or rude. When using the content of another person (text, photo, video), make sure you have the author's consent and always credit the author. It is not allowed to share internal, confidential or sensitive information about UNICEF, its partners, beneficiaries or colleagues and employees. You must not give the impression that you speak on behalf of UNICEF unless you are authorised to do so in an official capacity. Do not allow social media activities to cause harm to you, your colleagues, beneficiaries, or any other people with whom you work. Show respect for the privacy of other people, including their private views, beliefs, or status, and do not disclose such information without their permission. Take special care when posting about the situation, location, name or image of individuals, including pictures of you and other people. Show understanding for topics that can be considered sensitive - such as gender, sexual orientation, politics and religion. You must not use ethnic slurs, personal insults or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable to the UNlCEF community This includes following, liking, or sharing inappropriate content. Make sure your message is correct and complete before you post it. If you make a mistake, quickly correct the information. Consider carefully the content you are posting and potential audience. Do not speak on behalf of others. Do not plagiarise. Do not post photos of anyone (including any member from the support programme) unless you have previously obtained their consent; in case of a minor, the parent's consent must be obtained. Do not use the UNICEF logo. Please observe the rules for using the name and logo of UNICEF and its partner organisations.
• Any independent appearance in the media, including digital media, on behalf of the programme and/or organiser, is prohibited. Any media request for a statement on the programme must be referred to the organiser.