Ethics and principles

We have long-standing experience in international work. Our work is guided by Christian values.

Good ethical practice is vital in our work. As a Christian organisation, our priority is to be a reliable and safe partner.

Fida has operations in almost 50 countries, among different cultures and people groups. We often encounter particularly vulnerable people as well as ethnic and religious minorities.

As long-standing specialists in international work, our work is guided by Christian values: respect for human dignity, reliability, and transparency.

We Always Work in Partnership

The world cannot be changed alone, which is why long-term partnerships with local churches and organisations are vital to us. We also network globally.

We are Community Centred

The world can only be changed when change arises from people’s own volition. Sustainable change takes place when local experts in countries where we operate gain more expertise and opportunities.

Christian Values are the Foundation of all our Work

Fida operates openly as a Christian organisation among many religions and cultures. We want to build trust, promote dialogue between different groups, and respect different cultures.

In keeping with the principle of transparency, we always communicate our identity and values to all partners. The expression of this may vary depending on culture and operating environment.

We engage in Peacebuilding

We are committed to promoting peace, reconciliation, security, and harmonious co-existence in areas where we operate.

We are Transparent and Reliable

We commit ourselves to using public funds in accordance with financing agreements. We do not use development cooperation funds from the Finnish State or the EU for religious proclamations or for the sharing of political ideologies.

We have a clear policy distinguishing between missionary work, development work, and humanitarian activities.

We are Professional and Results-Based

We are a professional and results-based organisation. We direct our investments to countries and areas where we have specific competence and added value to give.

The quality of aid activities is measured internationally by nine basic principles (Core Humanitarian Standard, CHS). Fida seeks to adhere to these principles in its work.

We Act Equally

Every person is equal, and everyone is welcome within our work. Fida respects the rights of every human in all circumstances and situations.

Fida policies and guidelines

Fida’s policies and guidelines apply to our own employees, partner employees as well as to all volunteers working on our various projects.

Child Protection

We are committed to the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, as well as to the ethical principles of the Finnish NGOs’ child sponsorship activities. We have a child protection policy that binds everyone working with children. The policy has been developed in collaboration with child protection specialists. Our partner churches and organisations across the world are also trained on this policy.

Inclusion of Children, Young People, and Adults with Disabilities

In all our work, we aim to consider the inclusion of people with disabilities, in planning and implementation. Fida’s disability policy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Good Governance and Prevention of Corruption

Fida is committed to good governance in all its operations. We do not accept bribery or corruption in any form. We train our partners in good governance and continuously review common economic practices.

We also assess our operating environment, and do not work in partnerships or networks that could be linked to corruption.

Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment

We have a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. Monitoring is included in our monitoring and reporting system.

Respectful Communications

We follow ethical development communication guidelines prepared by the Finnish development work umbrella organisation, Fingo, along with its members.

Accountability

We operate responsibly by considering ecological, economic, and social factors that promote the well-being of the environment and communities.

Ethics and principles

Accountability

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