MSF USA Ethics & Integrity Portal

MSF USA is committed to being a responsible employer and association. This rests on the foundation of the organization’s ethical behavior. There is a mutual and complementary role of the employee and the employer to prevent, detect and address unacceptable behavior. MSF USA has a responsibility to inform its patients and direct beneficiaries on the behavioral commitments stated below.

Within MSF USA, all employees (including staff on international assignment, volunteers, daily workers) and operational partners (including consultants and guests) understand and adhere to the commitments below. These commitments must be incorporated into their professional and personal conduct. When violations are experienced or observed, MSF USA offers channels for reporting at every level of the organization. Any non-compliance will necessitate due consequences.

These Behavioral Commitments are considered as a minimum behavioral standard. More specific rules may apply to MSF USA employees and operational partners depending on the context in which they work and their area of activity.

Behavioral Commitments

Discrimination

• MSF USA employees and operational partners shall behave respectfully and not discriminate against patients, colleagues, or members of the local population on the basis of their race, opinions, lifestyle, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, origin, religion or beliefs, and other markers of identity.

Abuse / Harassment

• MSF USA employees and operational partners shall not abuse anyone physically (i.e., physical violence, sexual aggression, or other forms of physical abuse) or psychologically (e.g., bullying, abuse of power, harassment, discrimination, or favoritism).
• MSF USA employees and operational partners shall not accept child abuse, exploitation, and violence, and shall not engage in sexual relations with children.

Exploitation

• MSF USA employees and operational partners shall not accept, under any circumstances, behavior that exploits the vulnerability of others, in the broadest possible sense (sexual, economic, social, etc.). This includes exchange of goods, benefits, or services for acts of a sexual nature, including the use of sex workers' services while on assignment.
• MSF USA employees and operational partners shall not take advantage of their position for personal gain. Each member shall use MSF USA resources (including premises, goods, money, reputation, image, etc.) with respect and care and in the interests of the organization and the populations it seeks to assist.