THE ECUMENICAL ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAMME IN PALESTINE & ISRAEL - CODE OF CONDUCT

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THE ECUMENICAL ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAMME IN PALESTINE & ISRAEL - CODE OF CONDUCT

 Acknowledgements

 

The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) would like to thank International Alert for their kind permission to use their ‘Code of Conduct for Conflict Transformation Work’as the basis for this code of conduct and to reproduce many substantial extracts from their document. The EAPPI Code of Conduct also reproduces a section of the Code of Conduct of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The EAPPI also thanks the Christian Peacemakers Team for lending its resource document ‘Nonviolent Social Change’ for use in this code.

 

Introduction

 

This Code of Conduct aims to provide an ethical framework for the work of the EAPPI. It consists of guiding principles for the EAPPI, the agreed boundaries of the programme’s activities and a disciplinary code. This Code is based on the ‘Code of Conduct for Conflict Transformation Work’ of International Alert, produced in 1998.

 

This Code is a working document and it will be revised and updated as the programme’s experience evolves.

 

The EAPPI

 

The EAPPI is an initiative of the World Council of Churches under the Ecumenical Campaign to End the Illegal Occupation of Palestine: Support a Just Peace in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany Palestinians and Israelis, churches and others in their nonviolent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation and to support a just peace in the Middle East. Participants of the programme monitor and report violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, support non-violent activities alongside local Christian and Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, offer protection through a nonviolent presence, engage in public policy advocacy and, in general, stand in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation.

 

The World Council of Churches Executive Committee developed the EAPPI in September 2001, further to a call by the local churches of Jerusalem, as expressed to an ecumenical delegation to Israel and the Occupied Territories in June 2001, and at an international ecumenical consultation in Genevain August 2001. The EAPPI is a response to the call for an international protective presence made by the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, but also by Palestinian NGOs and church-related organisations and Israeli peace organisations. After the pilot project of DanChurch Aid in spring 2002, the EAPPI began to operate officially in autumn 2002. The programme is managed at the international level and in Jerusalemby the World Council of Churches. Churches and church-related organisations from the following countries are involved currently in the programme: Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

 

 

The EAPPI provides a protective presence to de-escalate or deter violence from being perpetrated against civilians by accompanying civilians and communities which live within this violent conflict and grassroots activists involved in nonviolent protest. The programme also provides a witness of daily life under occupation showing solidarity with those who suffer and making people feel that the rest of the world has not abandoned them. In this way, the EAPPI contributes towards the creation and nurturing of a culture of peace and nonviolence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The programme advocates nationally and internationally for an end to the occupation and a negotiated resolution of the conflict on the basis of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. This advocacy is conducted by Ecumenical Accompaniers in their home countries after their return from service in Israel – Palestine and it is based on their experience of daily reality in this conflict.

 

The EAPPI is a demonstration of the international community’s will to ensure that both sides of the conflict upheld human rights and international humanitarian law. Together with other international missions, which provide a protective presence in Israel-Palestine, the EAPPI prevents human rights abuses from happening by providing an international presence in conflict situations where often other outside witnesses are not present. In a conflict where intergovernmental bodies have failed so far to provide an official human rights protection force and the perpetrators of human rights abuses and their victims have been left to themselves, Ecumenical Accompaniers, and others on similar international missions, with their presence shed light on human rights abuses that would otherwise been happening in the dark. The EAPPI also defends and promotes human rights by raising awareness internationally about the human rights abuses perpetrated in this conflict through reports and articles written by Ecumenical Accompaniers while they are in the field and by public speaking the EAs do when they return home.

 

I.Guiding Principles

 

Summary

 

�We believe in a just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful means and the end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank including East Jerusalem and Gaza.

�We are committed to principles of nonviolence

�We do not take sides in this conflict and we do not discriminate against anyone but we are not neutral in terms of principles of human rights and international humanitarian law.

�We are committed to the principle and practice of promoting human rights through our work.

�Our primary motivation is the alleviation of human suffering.

�Our engagement in this conflict is conditional upon an invitation to engage by local actors such as the Churches, church-related organisations, Palestinian civil society and Israeli peace organisations.

�We are committed to working in collaboration and complementarity with individuals, organisations, governments and other institutions which can contribute to the prevention and resolution of conflict and which work on human rights.

�We make no discrimination on grounds of nationality, race, class or gender or religious, cultural and or political beliefs.

�We are morally responsible to those whom we seek to assist and accountable to those with whom we work and to those from whom we accept resources.

�We are also committed to maintaining confidentiality in situations where the effectiveness of our programme or the security of our staff or the people we work with may be at risk.

�We endeavour to have clear and mutually agreed roles, responsibilities and objectives in our partnerships within the EAPPI and with those outside the programme.

 

A just and lasting peaceful settlement

 

We believe in a just and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful means and the end of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. By supporting local nonviolent efforts and helping to develop and strengthen local capacities, we aim to empower Palestinians and Israelis to make peace. We believe that our accompaniment work contributes towards preparing the ground for efforts, which could eventually lead to an effective peace process.

 

 

Nonviolence

 

We are committed to the principles of nonviolence as a means to end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, which began in 1967. Our commitment to the principles of nonviolence has religious and secular philosophical bases. We see these principles as the "weapons of the spirit" employed against the injustices committed in this conflict.

 

Principled impartiality

 

We do not take sides in this conflict and we do not discriminate against anyone but we are not neutral in terms of principles of human rights and international humanitarian law. We stand faithfully with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized. We want to serve all parties in this conflict in a fair and unbiased manner in word and action. We endeavour to be inclusive in our work, seeking access to all relevant parties to this conflict. Although impartial in as far as we conduct our work among different conflict parties, we are not neutral in terms of the principles and values, which are in incorporated in this Code, and in terms of international standards of human rights and humanitarian law. In our work we frequently come into contact with parties suspected of, and responsible for, grievous human rights abuses.However, it does not imply in any way agreement with, or support for, the views or objectives of those parties. Equally, it does not signal acceptance of, or approval of, the activities or methods employed by such groups in pursuing their particular agendas.

 

 

Human rights and international humanitarian law

 

We are committed to the principle and practice of promoting human rights through our work. The EAPPI is based on principles of international humanitarian and human rights law, including resolutions of the UN Security Council, GeneralAssembly and Commission on Human Rights. We recognise that human rights abuses are often a precursor to, and always a consequence of, violent conflict. We also recognise that the denial of human rights in the OPTs since 1967 has led to the current conflict situation and that this in turn has inevitably undermined efforts to protect individual and collective human rights. We urge compliance with international humanitarian law and principles and respect for human rights amongst all parties to the conflict. We are committed to pressing for international human rights standards to be recognised and incorporated in any peace process aiming to lead to a final settlement of this conflict and in the final agreement as well. We are also committed to pressing the international community, and intergovernmental bodies in particular, for the establishment and development of effective institutions and mechanisms for the protection of human rights and for the monitoring of human rights abuses while this conflict is continuing as well as after its resolution.

 

We recognise that it isessential to ensure that members of staff receive adequate training in human rights and humanitarian law in order to improve their basic competence in this field.

 

Humanitarian concern

 

Our primary motivation is the alleviation of human suffering and our engagement in this violent conflict is driven principally by concern for both Israelis and Palestinians who are at risk from this conflict and for protecting the most fundamental human right of all - the right to life.

 

 

Providing a presence conditional upon need

 

Our engagement in this conflict is dictated only by our capacity to assist positively in de-escalating violence and protecting civilians from violence and human rights abuses and it is conditional upon an invitation to engage by local actors such as the Churches, church-related organisations, Palestinian civil society and Israeli peace organisations.

 

Working with others - Support for local peacemakers and peace advocates

We are committed to working incollaboration and complementarity with individuals, organisations, governments and other institutions which can contribute to the prevention and resolution of conflict and which work on human rights. Through our accompaniment and advocacy work, we supportand aim to empower Israelis and Palestinians to make peace by supporting those on both sides of the conflict who are committed to and/or are involved in nonviolent protest against the occupation. We do this because we believe that genuine conflict transformation is only possible with the participation and involvement of those most affected by the conflict. Our accompaniment is based upon listening, consultation and support, not prescription. We seek to identify and accompany credible local organisations intheir efforts towards peace. This is through developing effective relationships locally and internationally and avoiding actions, which might cause rivalry or competition with or among our partners. In the complex situation of this conflict with diverse demands and different actors, consultation with relevant parties and co-operation with others are essential. It is also empowering to all those who are engaged in the same endeavour.

 

 

Professional ethics:

 

Professional ethics will guide the development of personal relationships of Ecumenical Accompaniers and EAPPI staff with local people during their time of service with the EAPPI. EAs and staff need to be aware of inequalities of power and privilege and where the development of personal relationship can compromise or contradict the responsible and effective carrying out of the EAs role.

Specifically this means that development of personal relationships will be limited to and guided by that which is appropriate to the role and purpose of the EAs work.

 

Respect for dignity and cultural diversity

 

We make no discrimination on grounds of nationality, race, class or gender or religious, cultural and or political beliefs. We respect the dignity and cultural diversity of all peoples. We show cultural sensitivity in our work with people and organisations from other cultures to our own and we try to ensure that we use the appropriate approach to their culture and work styles.

 

Transparency and accountability

 

We are morally responsible to those whom we seek to assist and accountable to those with whom we work and to those from whom we accept resources. We endeavour to be open and transparent in our work by communicating our mission, objectives, policies, operational practices, methods and activities to the general public. We recognise the need to report on our activities, both from a financial perspective and the perspective of effectiveness. We recognise the obligation to ensure appropriate monitoring of our work in the field and to carry out regular assessments of its impact. We will also seek to report, in an open fashion, upon the impact of our work, and the factors limiting or enhancing that impact.

Confidentiality

 

We are also committed to maintaining confidentiality in situations where the effectiveness of our programme or the security of our staff or the people we work with may be at risk. When the trust of those with whom we work is dependent upon confidentiality, we do not publish, disseminate or otherwise divulge information, which might prejudice or undermine the work we are engaged in. Reconciling the need for openness and transparency on the one hand with confidentiality and discretion on the other is a delicate balancing act fraught with potential dangers.

 

Clear roles and responsibilities

 

We endeavour to have clear and mutually agreed roles, responsibilities and objectives in our partnerships within the EAPPI and with those outside the programme. We are committed to having realistic objectives within a coherent framework and a given timeframe. We plan and evaluate our work regularly.

 

Learning

 

We are committed to building up our collective pool of knowledge, institutional memory and experience through undertaking regular reviews and evaluations of our work and developing the skills of our staff. Institutional learning requires harnessing the experience and recording the reflections that could be useful for the efforts of others within the programme. Furthermore, we endeavour to share the lessons we learn with relevant individuals and organisations, which may benefit from them and, in turn, learn from the experiences and knowledge of others.

 

 

II.Practising our guiding principles

 

Practising principled impartiality

 

A position of principled impartiality is essential if we want the EAPPI to have credibility in both sides to the conflict and other relevant parties and the trust of Palestinians as well as Israelis. It is also essential in order to make a constructive contribution to this conflict. Earning the trust and confidence of relevant parties in conflict situations requires discretion and tact, patience and respect. Trust depends on the degree to which the EAPPI has articulated and communicated successfully its principles and objectives. Consistency and coherence in the ways we work generate trustworthiness. To maintain access to parties with different perspectives requires a consistent approach and sensitivity in building relationships.

 

We operate in I-P on the invitation of the local churches and of sectors of the Palestinian and Israeli civil societies. It is because of the seriousness of the humanitarian and human rights situation in the OPTs that we have decided to intervene in this way aiming todecrease and, if possible, alleviate human suffering. The fact that the EAPPI is non-governmental and relatively small gives the comparative advantage of acting discreetly when necessary and taking risks for peace which intergovernmental bodies might not take. Similarly, it does not preclude us from gaining access to both of the parties to this conflict. Responding to the call of one of the parties to this conflict does not imply neglect of the other but bridge-building at the earliest possible stages is indispensable to pursuing the principle of impartiality. In order to put this principle into practice we need first to acquire the capacity to work with both parties to the conflict.

 

Our adherence to the principle of impartiality precludes us from engaging in any activity, which furthers the personal or collective ambitions of any individual or group in so far as those ambitions contradict the primary goal of transforming the conflict peacefully.

 

Understanding the conflict by means of familiarising oneself with its history and its different interpretations is an essential prerequisite in trying to practise a position of principled impartiality, as well as in becoming involved in the work of EAPPI at all. This is a requirement for all staff involved in the programme. The training and preparation of EAs in their home countries provides the EAs with reading materials and with opportunities to discuss the causes and history of the conflict with informed individuals. National Co-ordinators need to ensure that during preparation the EAs have covered this ground adequately before they arrive in I-P.

 

Being familiar with the human rights law and humanitarian law and the controversy around its application to this conflict is another prerequisite for practising principled impartiality. Reading materials are provided to EAs during their preparation for the field.

 

Communication is essential to the practice of impartiality. It must be clear, timely, and directed to all relevant parties leading to transparency as far as possible without compromising the requirements of confidentiality.

 

To ensure that this principle is maintained in our work, a systematic and regular evaluation of the programme is important so that shortcomings in the practice of impartiality can be detected early on and practice revised as called for.

 

III.Agreed Boundaries of our Activities

 

�We do not cause wilful damage to any property.

�We do not disobey written warnings on signs nor do we oppose actively the instructions of military persons.

�We avoid actions, which may put our lives or the life of others in danger, such as obstructing bulldozers during house demolitions or tanks during a military operation.

�When we are present in demonstrations or other acts of civil disobedience we avoid any actions, which may escalate the situation into violence.

�Ecumenical Accompaniers work only for the EAPPI and do not undertaken any activities which may cause conflict of interest with their employment by the EAPPI.

 

Disciplinary Matters

 

The type of misconduct, which would result in immediate contact with the national co-ordinator and possible dismissal of an EA by the EAPPI Local Programme Co-ordinator could be:

 

1.deliberately endangering the life of members of the EAPPI team or others.

2.abusive behaviour to colleagues or visitors

3.breach of confidentiality

4.refusing to follow the instructions of the EAPPI Local Programme Co-ordinator, including instructions to evacuate the location the EA is in or security-related instructions

5.acting against the principles of nonviolence which underlie the EAPPI

6.acting in a provocative or reckless manner, which could damage the image of the EAPPI and the organisations involved in it

7.providing direct financial assistance to local people during field service as an EA

8.alcohol or drug misuse

9.theft or fraud

10.sexual or racial harassment

11.wilful damage to property

12.wilful damage to computers, e.g. by introducing a virus, damaging hardware of the system or erasing files, knowingly introducing unauthorised software, sending e-mails of a malicious or offensive nature and downloading offensive material.

13.gross negligence

14.continuing incompetence or inefficiency

 

This document has been agreed by EAPPI staff and the national co-ordinators of the EAPPI during their meeting on the 12th of March 2004 and revised on the 19th of October 2004 and 20thApril 2005.

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