Shared framework

Code of conduct.

A multi-stakeholder space is only useful if everyone can speak without fear. This code applies to every person present, with no exception for status or seniority.

Scope

This code applies to all spaces of the initiative: HaitiSIG and Haiti IGF sessions, regional hubs, the virtual platform, discussion channels, mailing lists, official social media accounts and associated social activities. It applies to participants, speakers, organising committee members, facilitators, partners, contractors, volunteers and media representatives.

Expected behaviour

  • Treat every person with respect, whatever their organisation, status or stakeholder group.
  • Listen to divergent views and argue on substance rather than about people.
  • Make sure speaking time circulates, in particular towards those who speak up less readily.
  • Respect speaking times and moderation rules.
  • Seek consent before any photograph, recording or attributed quotation.
  • Declare relevant conflicts of interest when speaking on a subject in which you have a direct stake.

Unacceptable behaviour

  • Harassment in any form, including unsolicited comments or gestures of a sexual nature.
  • Discriminatory or degrading remarks based on gender, origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation or socio-economic status.
  • Intimidation, threats, insults and personal attacks.
  • Disclosure of private information without consent.
  • Deliberate and repeated disruption of sessions.
  • Use of the initiative's spaces for purely commercial or sales purposes.
  • Any form of retaliation against a person who has made a report.

Reporting

Anyone who witnesses or experiences behaviour contrary to this code may report it:

  • by email to info@fgi.org.ht, marked "confidential report";
  • to an identified member of the organising committee, on site or in the relevant hub;
  • to the hub facilitator, who forwards it to the committee.

Reports are handled confidentially. The identity of the reporting person is not disclosed to the person concerned without their agreement, except where legally required. A report may be made anonymously, on the understanding that this may limit the action possible.

Handling

  1. Acknowledgement — within 48 hours during the events, within five working days otherwise.
  2. Review — hearing of those concerned by at least two committee members, including where possible a person of a different gender from the reporting person. Members with a conflict of interest step aside.
  3. Decision — a measure proportionate to the seriousness and the repeated nature of the facts.
  4. Information — the reporting person is informed of the action taken.

Possible measures

  • A reminder of the framework and a request to stop immediately.
  • A formal warning recorded in writing.
  • Exclusion from a session or a discussion space.
  • Exclusion from the whole edition, without reimbursement of any costs incurred.
  • Exclusion from subsequent editions and follow-up networks.
  • Referral to the competent authorities where the facts may constitute an offence.

The committee's commitment

The organising committee undertakes to treat every report seriously, not to minimise reported facts, to protect reporting persons against any form of retaliation, and to publish in the annual report the number of reports received and measures taken — with no element allowing the persons concerned to be identified.

This code draws on established practice in Internet governance communities and will be reviewed after each edition in the light of the feedback received.