1. Humanity

PASOS is driven by the imperative to alleviate human suffering and save lives particularly among the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and chronic poverty. We strive to respond promptly and compassionately while safeguarding the dignity and rights of individuals and communities.

2. Impartiality

Our interventions are needs based and non-discriminatory reaching all affected groups without bias. PASOS employs transparent beneficiary selection criteria and works to minimize exclusion errors by actively seeking out marginalized and hard to reach populations including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and minority clans or groups.

3. Neutrality

Operating in complex conflict affected settings PASOS maintains strict neutrality avoiding engagement in political or sectarian disputes. This enables us to maintain access and build trust across all communities while ensuring that humanitarian assistance remains a life-saving priority rather than a tool for political leverage.

4. Independence

PASOS ensures the autonomy of its humanitarian actions by making decisions solely based on humanitarian need and ethical standards free from political, commercial, or military influence. Our operational independence safeguards the impartiality and integrity of our programs.

5. Accountability

We prioritize accountability to affected communities (AAC) by integrating their voices and feedback into program design and delivery. PASOS establishes vigorous accessible complaint and feedback mechanisms, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. We engage communities as active partners, respecting their capacities, perspectives, and cultural contexts.

6. Quality and Minimum Standards

PASOS rigorously applies Sphere minimum standards across sectors including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security and nutrition, shelter and non-food items, health, and protection. We utilize evidence-based approaches and regularly conduct monitoring and evaluations to improve program quality, efficiency, and impact.

7. Do No Harm

PASOS carefully assesses the potential direct and indirect effects of its interventions aiming to avoid exacerbating existing conflicts, inequalities or vulnerabilities. Our programming is designed to promote social cohesion, respect local power dynamics and minimize any unintended negative consequences.

8. Participation and Empowerment

We actively involve affected populations in the design, implementation, and monitoring of our programs, ensuring their meaningful participation strengthens local ownership and sustainability. PASOS builds community capacities to better respond to their own needs and supports inclusive decision-making processes.

9. Coordination and Collaboration

PASOS collaborates closely with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, community based organizations and other stakeholders to harmonize efforts, avoid duplication and maximize resources. Effective coordination enhances the reach, quality, and sustainability of humanitarian response in Somalia.

10. Ethical Conduct and Protection

PASOS enforces a strict code of conduct for all staff and partners to prevent abuse, exploitation and corruption. We ensure protection mainstreaming across all programs, prioritizing the safety and rights of children, women, and other vulnerable groups, and advocating for their protection in line with international humanitarian and human rights law.