Download - Ethics & Communication in the Field
UNHCR & Accountability all actions aimed at ensuring the equal
access to and enjoyment of the rights of women, men, girls and boys of concern to UNHCR, in accordance with the relevant bodies of law (including international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law).
“accountability is defined by UNHCR as a commitment to deliver results for populations of concern within a framework of transparency, agreed feasibility, delegated authority and available resources.”
Checklist1. Recalling the purpose of communicating 2. Confidentiality3. Self-awareness in communication4. Active listening5. Respectful and professional attitude6. Appropriate body language7. Sensitivity to gender, age, and diversity factors
that may affect communication8. Psychological and emotional needs of PoCs9. Asking appropriate questions
Purpose = Accountability Facilitate access to human rights
Help develop solutions
Manage expectations
To deal with persons approaching the border in a protection-sensitive and rights-respecting way
Define what is the need of the PoC
Provide information humanitarian process
Refer persons to relevant authorities (i.e. National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), child-care institutions)
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Confidentiality
For Pamati Kita to gain the trust of its potential users: confidentiality is paramount.
Self-Awareness in Communication Verbal + Physical Stereotyping & assumptions
More subtle forms of bias Some tips:
Recognizing that we may hold or be the victim of biases is the first and most crucial step in combating prejudice
Groups are not homogeneous: focus on the particular individual.
Active listening Respectful and professional attitude
AGD- Issues
Age
Gender
Diversity
How do you interact with people depending on age, gender and diversity?
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Maintain self-awareness on biases Do not jump to conclusions: active
listening Try to be aware of increase of anxiety
level and to manage it
Psychological & Emotional Considerations Effects of traumatic experiences on communication:Fear of reprimand Feeling of helplessnessLack of awareness of right to be treated with respect and dignityIncoherence Serious memory gaps due to post-traumatic stress disorder
Don’t Blame Undermine what the speaker says Offer unsolicited advice Immediately tell your story of a similar
experience Lie Make promises you can’t keep Interpret what they say without
communication
Do Read between the lines for protection issues Avoid interruptions or distractions Give undivided attention to talk Be kind Listen carefully Re-state what has been said Concentrate on the person, not your response (practice makes perfect) Be patient; give time to the speaker Make confidentiality a priority Be tolerant and accept the person without judgment Have courage to tolerate behaviours that are off- putting; there’s a reason someone
behaves this way.
Sit face-to-face Nod or use facial gestures to show you understand Share eye contact Notice the speaker’s body position Give appropriate feedback - nod, facial gestures, encouraging response
MisconductAll forms of misconduct are destructive for
those affected and pose a serious threat to our credibility to deliver humanitarian
assistance. – Mr. Ngonlareje-Kabra MbaldjolDirector of Ethics Office, UNHCR