A Code of Conduct for Arab Civil Society Organizations

Basic information

Host or sponsor: Third Party
Type: Code of Conduct/Ethics
Year established: 2008
Status: In development
Thematic area: General
Summary: The Code of Conduct is a set of values and principles that Arab Civil Society Organisations are expected to incorporate in their practice. The principles address the sector commitment to covenants and laws (international human rights conventions); good governance; accountability (including a complaints mechanism); integrity; influence and effectiveness; ensuring equality and indiscrimination; preventing conflict of interest (includes a list of cases); conflict resolution; enhancing networking and coordination; and enhancing the right to access information (lists the type of information to be published). The Code was introduced and discussed in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Principles or standards: Principles-based
Communications / advocacy / fundraising:
- General commitment to transparency
Governance and Management:
- General commitment to good governance
- Auditing
- Board structure
- Conflict of Interest
- Financial reporting
- Stewardship of funds
- Procurement
Human resources:
- Staff relations
Beneficiary / client / supporter participation:
- General commitment to beneficiary participation
- In all project cycle stages
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- General commitment to evaluation
- Dissemination of evaluations
Cross-cutting thematic areas:
- Gender equality
- Human rights
- CSO collaboration and partnership
- State - CSO relations

Monitoring mechanism: Commitment only
Has sanctioning mechanism: Yes
Description of sanctioning mechanism: An arbitration committee, elected by the signatories, receives complaints and mediates to resolve conflicts (the specific system is to be stipulated).