Global Rights Alliance (GRA) is a youth-led human rights organisation committed to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Our strength lies in the passion, dedication, and diverse perspectives of our young activists.
Code & Ethics
1. Introduction
This Code of Conduct and Ethics (“Code”) sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all members of Global Rights Alliance (GRA). It applies to all GRA activists, including board members, coordinators, group leaders, student activists, volunteers, and interns.
2. Our Values
a. Dignity and Respect: We treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
b. Integrity: We conduct our work with honesty, transparency, and adherence to the highest ethical standards.
c. Human Rights: We uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in our activities.
d. Objectivity and Independence: We maintain impartiality in our research and advocacy work.
e. Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
f. Transparency: We commit to open and honest reporting of our methods, findings, and limitations.
g. Cultural Sensitivity: We respect diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices.
h. Environmental Responsibility: We consider and minimise the environmental impact of our activities.
3. Compliance with Laws and Policies
You must:
a. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and GRA policies.
b. Ensure that your actions do not bring GRA into disrepute.
c. Report any suspected violations of this Code or other GRA policies.
4. Ethical Research and Advocacy
You must:
a. Obtain informed consent from all research participants.
b. Protect the confidentiality and privacy of research participants and sensitive information.
c. Prioritise the safety and well-being of research participants and communities.
d. Maintain objectivity and independence in research and advocacy work.
e. Use scientifically valid and ethically sound research methods.
f. Address potential biases in research design and implementation.
g. Commit to responsible sharing of findings, including with research participants and affected communities.
5. Conflicts of Interest
You must:
a. Avoid situations where personal interests conflict with GRA’s interests.
b. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to your supervisor or the Board.
c. Not use your position at GRA for personal gain or to benefit family or friends.
6. Respect in the Workplace
You must:
a. Treat all colleagues and stakeholders with respect and dignity.
b. Not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
c. Promote a diverse and inclusive environment within GRA.
7. Use of GRA Resources
You must:
a. Use GRA’s resources responsibly and only for authorised purposes.
b. Protect GRA’s assets from theft, damage, and misuse.
c. Respect GRA’s intellectual property rights and those of others.
8. External Communications
You must:
a. Ensure all public statements align with GRA’s policies and positions.
b. Not speak on behalf of GRA unless authorised to do so.
c. Use social media responsibly when identifying yourself as a GRA member.
9. Community Involvement and Social Responsibility
You must:
a. Uphold human rights principles in all GRA activities.
b. Consider the environmental impact of GRA’s work and promote sustainable practices.
c. Engage in responsible activism, balancing advocacy with commitment to rigorous, objective research.
10. Ethical Use of AI
When working with AI systems, you must:
a. Ensure all AI initiatives are grounded in international human rights law and standards.
b. Participate in human rights impact assessments to identify potential risks and harms to individuals and communities.
c. Prioritise the protection of human dignity, non-discrimination, and other fundamental rights in AI-related activities.
d. Maintain meaningful human oversight and intervention, especially for high-risk AI applications.
e. Report any concerns about negative impacts of AI systems through appropriate channels.
11. Responsible Deployment of AI
You must
a. Adhere to GRA’s AI use policy and ethics guidelines.
b. Participate in AI ethics training when offered. The GRA commits to develop and offer appropriate training as the technology and its impacts evolve.
c. Ensure transparency about AI use, including clear disclosure.
d. Stay informed about evolving AI ethics practices and contribute to their improvement.
12. Your Responsibilities
You must:
a. Ensure that you read, understand, and comply with this Code.
b. Report any concerns about potential breaches of this Code to your supervisor or through the designated reporting channels.
c. Cooperate with any investigation that GRA undertakes.
d. Seek help or advice if you have questions about any aspects of the Code.
e. Complete any mandatory associated training offered to you.
13. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your relationship with GRA.
14. Process for Review
This Code will be reviewed annually or as required following legislative changes, industry guidance updates, or significant internal policy changes. Suggestions for review are always welcome, and they should be submitted to the Secretary General for discussion on a meeting of the committee.
15. Acknowledgement
All new and current activists irrespectively of their role in GRA acknowledge that they have read, understood, and will comply with this Code of Conduct and Ethics. It is the responsibility of the GRA to retain an updated version of the Code of Conduct and Ethics publicly available in its website.
Global Rights Alliance 