The IFEX network of organisations is connected around the globe by a shared commitment to defend and promote freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
As part of this commitment, IFEX regularly convenes spaces for members, specialists, staff and other allies to come together to explore complex – and sometimes contested – topics. These convenings are by invitation only via IFEX and generally not open to the public.
GUIDING VALUES FOR THE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT OF OUR CONVENINGS
We believe that to effectively advance our individual and collective work, it is vital that these discussions include a variety of different opinions, perspectives and experiences. We believe that how we share this space and relate to each other during convenings is as important to advancing our goals as what we choose to discuss. All convenings are designed purposefully around our core values, which include:
- Being Strategic: The importance of clarity on our collective purpose, identities and experiences to maximize both our ability to intervene effectively with each other balanced by a commitment to do no harm to those we engage in convenings
- Inclusivity: Our belief on the importance of diversity – in our network, staff, specialists, ideas and approaches – across our work in a way that fosters non-discrimination, free expression, participation and equality
- Collaboration: We have a strong commitment towards fostering solidarity, connection, cooperation and a sense of community in our convening spaces
- Integrity: Our commitment to accountability, transparency, honesty and striving to establish fair and just processes and systems for dealing with and learning from differences
- Authentic Communication: Our belief in the necessity of a mindful practice of thoughtful, respectful, constructive and self-aware communication with others
- Openness: Our commitment to being curious, innovative, adventurous and reflective learning across our individual and collective work
- Positivity: Our belief in the importance of fun, play, humour, appreciation, celebration and hope as an important part of sustaining our individual and collective work on freedom of expression
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE – COLLECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY
While the IFEX Secretariat takes great care to create a welcoming, diverse and accessible space, we also ask all participants to assume individual and collective responsibility to ensure an atmosphere of mutual respect and solidarity by:
- Interacting and engaging peacefully: Differences in opinion will naturally arise, so please think of these differences as useful for expanding your thinking and ways of seeing the world.
- Using inclusive language: Be respectful of how people want to be referred to in terms of gender identity or expression (like pronouns), and practice inclusive language as often as you can.
- Respecting and recognizing the diversity of bodies and gender expressions
- Helping build a space that recognizes and validates the different lived experiences of convening participants: Remain mindful of each other’s physical and emotional boundaries. Let someone leave a conversation that makes them uncomfortable and do not follow people who have asked to be left alone. Adjust your behaviour if someone tells you – or someone else – you are making them uncomfortable. Participants who are asked to stop harassing, discriminatory or disruptive behaviours are expected to do so immediately.
- Nonviolently challenging oppressive behaviour: This includes behaviours related to harassment, verbal or physical violence, violation of consent, and any action that perpetuates classism, ageism, ableism, racism, misogyny, heterosexism, transphobia and other oppressions.
If you see something that you feel is inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of agreed upon conduct, say something to the person affected and remind them there is a process they can access.
REPORTING HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION
While we defend, promote and encourage everyone’s right to free expression, we do not tolerate any harassment or discrimination as outlined by the legal statutes in Canada and other jurisdictions where convenings might take place – whether online or in-person. This includes harassment pertaining to gender; gender identity and expression; race; ethnicity; sexual orientation; physical characteristics; ability; religion; and age.
Reporting a complaint can be done confidentially via any of the following:
- Locating an IFEX Secretariat staff or Council member on-site that you feel comfortable sharing your complaint with. Staff and Council members can be clearly identified by the colour of their lanyard.
- Contacting the current designated IFEX Code of Conduct representative at [email protected] or in person if present at the event.
- Contacting local law enforcement directly.
If a complaint is filed, the Personnel Committee will proactively address the complaint and intervene, as determined necessary including, but not limited to:
- providing warnings
- expulsion from a session
- expulsion from the convening
- mediation with the complainant / victim in the complaint and the person alleged to have participated in harassing or discriminatory behavior. However, to preserve both the safety and the confidentiality of the complainant / victim in the complaint, no specific action will be taken without consultation and their approval.
- and if required contacting local law enforcement officials.
Malicious complaints will not be tolerated and anyone who makes a malicious complaint will be subject to the procedures described above.
SCOPE OF POLICY
This code of conduct applies to all convening participants and all event-related staff (e.g. hotel staff, AV technicians, interpreters, etc.). It applies to all convening-related activities such as sessions related to the formal agenda; all related side- and social- events; parties; and informal gatherings at restaurants or bars.
All convening participants and event-related staff are expected to understand and abide by this code of conduct. Anyone who is found to have violated this policy may have the participation sanctioned or terminated as outlined in the section above.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, concerns or ideas for strengthening this policy, please email us at: [email protected]