Safeguarding Standards of Behavior

• We will respect, promote and safeguard the rights and dignities of all people (with particular attention to beneficiaries, vulnerable adults and children) without discrimination or bullying of any kind.
• We will treat all intended and actual beneficiaries with respect, courtesy and dignity.
• We will not engage in any form of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior towards beneficiaries in any circumstances.
• We will not engage in any abuse of authority, position or influence by withholding humanitarian assistance or manipulating selection or targeting processes for beneficiaries.
• We will not condone, endorse or participate in any illegal activities conducive to theft, corruption, conflicts of interest, or other activities seeking illegal economic gains
• We will help to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries, research participants, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat’s Code of Conduct.

All HFH Representatives commit to the following Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (SEA) prevention standards:

• We will never engage in sexual exploitation or abuse
• We will never engage in sexual activity with a child (person under the age of 18) regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief in the age of a child is not a defense.
• We will never exchange money, employment, good or services (including assistance that is due to beneficiaries) for sex, sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior.
• We will not engage in a sexual relationship with a beneficiary, since it is based on inherently unequal power dynamics and undermines the credibility and integrity of Habitat for Humanity’s charitable mission.

These standards apply at all times, even when on leave or off duty!