PASOS Ethical principles

PASOS Ethical Work Principles

Peace Action Society Organization for Somalia (PASOS)

As a national humanitarian and development organization working in complex and fragile settings across Somalia, PASOS is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all its operations. Our ethical work principles guide our actions, define our responsibilities, and reflect our deep commitment to serving communities with integrity, dignity, and professionalism.

1. Humanity and Impartiality

• We are committed to alleviating human suffering wherever it is found, giving priority to the most vulnerable and underserved populations without discrimination.
• Our services are delivered without regard to race, ethnicity, clan, religion, gender, political affiliation, or social status.

2. Do No Harm and Conflict Sensitivity

• PASOS adheres to the “Do No Harm” principle by ensuring that our actions and interventions do not exacerbate existing tensions or create new conflicts.
• We prioritize conflict-sensitive programming, integrating local knowledge, dialogue, and context-specific strategies to promote peace and cohesion.

3. Accountability and Transparency

• We maintain full accountability to the communities we serve, our donors, and our partners.
• Our decision-making, financial management, and program implementation are conducted with transparency, honesty, and openness, supported by regular audits and monitoring systems.

4. Integrity and Zero Tolerance for Corruption

• PASOS upholds zero tolerance for corruption, fraud, exploitation, abuse, and any unethical behavior.
• We promote a culture of honesty, integrity, and professionalism at every level of the organization and enforce strict codes of conduct for staff, volunteers, and partners.

5. Respect for Human Rights and Dignity

• We champion the protection and promotion of universal human rights, and we ensure that the dignity and autonomy of all individuals—especially women, children, and marginalized groups—are upheld throughout our programs.

6. Participation and Empowerment

• We actively engage communities in needs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, recognizing them as key agents in shaping their own development.
• We are committed to empowering local capacities, respecting indigenous knowledge, and promoting ownership and sustainability.

7. Gender Equity and Inclusion

• PASOS integrates gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in all programming, ensuring equal access, representation, and opportunities for women, men, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority groups.

8. Child Safeguarding and Protection

• We prioritize the safety, welfare, and rights of children in all interventions.
• All PASOS staff and affiliates must comply with our Child Protection Policy and report any suspected abuse or exploitation immediately.

9. Environmental Responsibility

• As stewards of the environment, we ensure that our activities promote environmental protection, sustainability, and responsible use of natural resources.

10. Professionalism and Continuous Learning

• We uphold excellence, learning, and innovation by investing in staff development, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based practices.
• PASOS fosters a respectful and inclusive work environment that values teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and ethical leadership.

Commitment to Ethical Partnership

PASOS recognizes that strong, principled partnerships with donors, government bodies, community stakeholders, and international organizations are key to effective humanitarian and development work. We are committed to honoring donor values, international humanitarian standards, and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in all our collaborations.

Peace Action Society Organization for Somalia (PASOS) is firmly committed to upholding and implementing the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in all aspects of its work. Guided by these universal values, PASOS ensures that assistance is provided solely based on need, without discrimination of any kind, and with the utmost respect for the dignity, rights, and cultural context of affected populations. Our programs prioritize the protection of life and the alleviation of human suffering, especially among the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and displaced persons. We maintain political and operational neutrality to build trust among communities and stakeholders and to deliver aid safely and effectively in complex and sensitive environments. Independence from political, religious, or economic agendas is central to our approach, allowing us to remain focused on our humanitarian mission with transparency, accountability, and integrity.