Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

Migration Matters e.V. supports individuals and institutions in holding more nuanced and evidence-based conversations about migration. Its mission is to cultivate evidence-based dialogue on migration, belonging, and diversity by incorporating critical perspectives from academics, researchers, practitioners, the public, and migrants and refugees themselves. By making research, evidence, and original perspectives accessible to wider audiences through educational media and dialogue opportunities, the organization promotes meaningful exchange and combats polarization and discrimination, contributing to inclusive, resilient, and socially cohesive communities characterized by empathy, openness, and inclusivity.

2. Scope of application

This Code is binding for all persons representing or acting on behalf of Migration Matters e.V., regardless of their role or contractual relationship. This includes all employees of Migration Matters e.V., members of the board, volunteers and interns, members of the association, external consultants and freelancers, members of partner or collaborating entities in joint activities, and any person acting in representation of Migration Matters e.V. in public or institutional spaces.

The Code of Conduct will form part of any contractual arrangements. It is to be shared with members of the association and representatives of any (potential) collaborating entities before the start of a project or other collaboration.

3. Fundamental principles

All persons linked to Migration Matters e.V. must act with:

  • Respect and dignity toward all people, regardless of origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, skin color, religious belief, disability or administrative status.
  • Integrity in all professional and interpersonal actions. 
  • Transparency in the communication with team members, partners and stakeholders.
  • Individual responsibility to foster an environment free from abuse and discrimination.
  • Confidentiality, especially when handling personal and/or sensitive information.

4. Expected conduct

All persons linked to Migration Matters e.V. must: 

  • Treat all individuals with empathy, respect, and fairness.
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, and violence-free environment.
  • Report any suspicion or knowledge of harassment, abuse, or other prohibited conduct (Point 5) through channels established in Migration Matters e.V.’s Safeguarding Policy.
  • When implementing project activities and Migration Matters programmes, staff must actively prevent, report, and avoid any corrupt or bribery-related practices

5. Prohibited conduct

Migration Matters e.V. takes a position of zero-tolerance towards the following behaviors:  

  • Harassment, including sexual, verbal, physical, psychological harassment and online abuse.
  • Discrimination based on origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, skin colour, religious belief, disability or administrative status.
  • The use or threat of physical violence.
  • Abuse of power or exploitation, including inappropriate relationships with subordinate staff or individuals in vulnerable situations (Point 6).
  • Use of offensive, humiliating, or intimidating language.
  • Unauthorized dissemination or use of confidential information.
  • Any form of or participation in corruption or bribery.
  • Use of illegal drugs during working hours or institutional activities.
  • Misuse of audiovisual materials (Point 7). 
  • Failure to report incidents or suspicions of misconduct.

6. Interaction with persons in vulnerable situations

In working with migrants, refugees, young people, or groups prone to experiencing rights violations, all persons linked to Migration Matters e.V. commit to:

  • Acting with cultural sensitivity, avoiding stereotypes or paternalistic attitudes.
  • Being mindful of power dynamics that may arise from socioeconomic deprivation, undocumented migration status, and other inequalities.  
  • Being sensitive to emotional needs and vulnerabilities when interacting with survivors of violence and trauma or individuals in vulnerable situations.
  • Always maintaining clear professional and ethical boundaries.
  • Never requesting favors, money, or goods and abstaining from romantic or sexual relationships, due to the inherent inequality and vulnerability.
  • Never disclosing information about an individual’s migration status without their consent.

7. Production and use of audiovisual materials

Migration Matters e.V. regularly produces audiovisual material for educational purposes. These are available for public use, including on social media platforms. In doing so, the organization and persons linked to Migration Matters e.V. will:

  • Conform to data protection regulations under the GDPR. 
  • Seek explicit, informed, and documented consent from all individuals featured in photographs, video, or audio recordings.
  • Store all consent records securely and review them regularly.
  • Clearly inform individuals about the purpose, scope, and platforms on which the material may be used.
  • Allow individuals to decline or withdraw consent at any time without negative consequences.
  • Cease production or remove any already published content from the public domain if requested by the individuals featured and irrespective of the reasons given.  
  • Avoid publishing sensitive and identifying personal information (e.g., full names, locations, migration status). Where such information is necessary, written consent must be obtained.
  • Refrain from posting images, stories, or information about participants on personal social media accounts without consent.
  • Ensure that media content does not misrepresent, stereotype, or exploit participants.

8. Responsible use of resources

Persons linked to Migration Matters e.V. commit to using the organization’s financial, human, material and digital resources responsibly, efficiently, and in line with the organization’s mission and project-specific commitments and objectives. Staff are expected to:

  • Use resources in full compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines stipulated by donors and in accordance with approved budgets. 
  • Use resources only for authorized activities and avoid any personal, improper, or wasteful use.
  • Protect organizational assets from loss, damage, misuse, or unauthorized access.
  • Handle materials and equipment responsibly, extending their lifespan and ensuring they remain in good working condition.
  • Safeguard digital and informational resources, including passwords, data, and confidential documents.
  • Report any suspected misuse, waste, or misappropriation of resources through the appropriate channels.

9. Complaints and breaches

Any person can and must report conduct contrary to this Code. Reports must, in principle, be made to (a member of) the Board of Migration Matters e.V. Reporting procedures are specified in Migration Matters e.V.’s Safeguarding Policy. 

Consequences for non-compliance with the Code of Conduct may include formal warnings, the suspension or termination of employment contracts, volunteer relationship or other forms of collaboration, and the referral to competent authorities, if necessary.