We Endorse the Red Cross & Red Crescent Code of Conduct
The Zakat Foundation of America is now listed as a signatory on the International Code of Conduct for Disaster Relief organizations. The Code was established by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a way for all associated Non-Profit organizations to make a public statement toward the legitimacy and positive nature of their respective work. The code is outlined below and the complete text can be viewed on the website of the Red Cross and Red Crescent at http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/conduct/code.asp
- The Humanitarian imperative comes first
- Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind. Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone
- Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standp oint
- We shall endeavor not to act as instruments of government foreign policy
- We shall respect culture and custom
- We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities
- Ways shall be found to involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid
- Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs
- We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources
- In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognize disaster victims as dignified humans, not hopeless objects