ACCOUNTABILITY

The core values of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are deeply rooted in dignity, justice, inclusiveness and accountability. Resources and responsibilities for decision – making are to be used in ways that are mutually transparent and answerable to all stakeholders. This is complemented by the highest standards, flexibility and pragmatism in program implementation, emphasizing both accountability towards the affected population/the communities we serve and fulfilling the expectations of funding partners and back donors.

LWF Kenya – Djibouti is committed to transparency of its motives and aims, as well as in its financial transactions.  To ensure that this commitment is realized, the LWF Kenya – Djibouti has a Complaints and Response Mechanism.

Policy and Procedure allows that all stakeholders may provide feedback and complaints on the work done by LWF Kenya – Djibouti, have their complaints heard, properly addressed and receive feedback.

LWF subscribes to the highest international standards of accountability and is member of the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP). Certification under HAP is expected to be finalized in December 2011. (See www.hapinternational.org) LWF is a founding member of the ACT Alliance – Action by Churches Together – and is committed by the ACT Alliance Code of Good Practice. (See www.actalliance.org)

LWF KENYA – DJIBOUTI COMPLAINTS POLICY STATEMENT LWF Kenya – Djibouti is committed to working in an open and responsible way that builds the trust and respect of all our stakeholders. LWF Kenya – Djibouti is committed to high quality humanitarian and development programming and seek to work with affected communities and populations in the best way possible.

To ensure that the LWF Kenya – Djibouti programs are continuously improved, we want to hear what our stakeholders have to say whether in the form of a comment, a compliment or a complaint.   Responding to complaints from stakeholders is basic to LWF Kenya – Djibouti’s value on accountability.

LWF Kenya – Djibouti therefore encourages feedback about our work from all stakeholders. Where the feedback is a complaint about LWF Kenya – Djibouti conduct, LWF Kenya – Djibouti shall respond in a timely and appropriate manner through established mechanisms.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

LWF Kenya – Djibouti is guided by the values of dignity and justice, inclusiveness and participation, accountability and transparency, compassion and commitment.

LWF Kenya – Djibouti has zero tolerance to any form of abuse of power, sexual exploitation, fraud and corruption, physical and psychological abuse and criminal offences.

The LWF Code of Conduct serves to guide all LWF staff, consultants and partners in their attitudes, behaviors and ethical decisions in their professional as well as private lives. LWF Kenya – Djibouti takes all complaints seriously and positively. We shall address all issues of sexual exploitation, abuse of power, corruption and breach of the LWF Kenya – Djibouti policies and standards.

LWF Kenya – Djibouti is committed to have an effective procedure for handling and responding to complaints. Procedures shall be simple, easily understood and widely publicized.

Appropriate cultural and local practices should be respected in the development of complaints mechanisms. Cultural practices violating human rights and against LWF Kenya – Djibouti’s values are exceptions.

No staff shall retaliate against the complainant in whole or in part because he or she has disclosed alleged wrongful conduct. Any staff that is found to have violated this principle shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Both complainants and accused have a right to challenge decisions and to be properly informed about the basis on which decisions have been made.   At any point the confidentiality aspect shall be maintained.

When necessary, it is particularly important to ensure that support is available to complainants in ways deemed appropriate.

The procedure for complaints will be reviewed regularly to ensure and incorporate learning and improvement towards LWF Kenya – Djibouti’s accountability