Integrity and code of conduct
Article 17
1. Sending and hosting organisations shall agree on an integrity policy designed to prevent corruption and bribery and on a code of conduct based on the sending organisation's management policy that shall be suitable for and apply to the EU Aid Volunteers with guidance on expected behaviours, decency and integrity required throughout their participation in the EU Aid Volunteers initiative. 2. The code of conduct shall be binding on the EU Aid Volunteers and shall include as a minimum the following requirements: (a) Commitment to developing a sense of identity around the EU Aid Volunteers initiative and to contributing to its objectives; (b) Respect for other people and their dignity and respect of the principle of non-discrimination; (c) Respect of the humanitarian aid principles as referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No 375/2014; (d) Commitment to the safeguarding of children and to the protection of vulnerable adults, including through a zero-tolerance to sexual abuse; (e) Zero-tolerance to the use of drugs illegal in the country of deployment; (f) Respect of local laws; (g) Integrity, anti-fraud and anti-corruption; (h) Maintaining high standards of personal and professional conduct; (i) Compliance with security and health and safety procedures; (j) Duty to report breaches and provisions for whistle-blowing; (k) Rules on contact with the media and information management; and (l) Rules prohibiting the misuse of the organisation's equipment. 3. Any breach of the code of conduct by an EU Aid Volunteer shall be dealt with according to the sending organisation's management policy. 4. If the breach is considered to constitute gross misconduct, it shall lead to early return of the EU Aid Volunteer and, if necessary, their conduct will be reported to any relevant professional or legal organisations or authorities.