Skip to main content
IIRan

Governance

Ethics & Whistleblower Policy

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Report a Concern

If you are a staff member, volunteer, partner, beneficiary, or member of the public and you have witnessed or suspect misconduct, fraud, abuse, or any violation of our policies, we encourage you to report it. All reports are treated confidentially.

info@iiran.org(encrypted, monitored by Board Audit Committee)
Anonymous reports accepted. No account or identification required.

1. Code of Ethics

All IIRan board members, staff, volunteers, and partners are bound by our Code of Ethics, which requires:

  • Integrity: Honest and transparent conduct in all operations
  • Non-discrimination: Aid distributed based solely on need, without discrimination by race, religion, nationality, gender, or political affiliation
  • Accountability: Responsible stewardship of donor funds and organizational resources
  • Respect: Dignity and respect for all beneficiaries, colleagues, and partners
  • Compliance: Adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and IIRan policies
  • Conflict of interest: Prompt disclosure of any real or perceived conflicts of interest

2. What to Report

We encourage reporting of any suspected:

  • Financial fraud, embezzlement, or misuse of donor funds
  • Corruption, bribery, or kickbacks
  • Diversion of humanitarian aid for non-intended purposes
  • Sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH)
  • Discrimination or harassment of any kind
  • Violations of donor privacy or data protection
  • Safety and security threats to staff or beneficiaries
  • Falsification of reports, data, or financial records
  • Any violation of IIRan policies or applicable law

3. Protection for Whistleblowers

IIRan strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation. Protections include:

  • Confidentiality: Reporter identity is protected to the maximum extent possible
  • Anonymity: Reports can be made anonymously. We will investigate regardless.
  • No retaliation: Any employee who retaliates against a whistleblower is subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination
  • Legal protection: Whistleblowers are protected under applicable laws and international humanitarian accountability standards

4. Investigation Process

  1. Receipt: All reports are received by the Board Audit Committee, independent of management.
  2. Assessment: Within 48 hours, the Committee assesses the report and determines the appropriate course of action.
  3. Investigation: An investigation is conducted by the Committee or an independent third party. Investigations are completed within 30 days when possible.
  4. Resolution: Findings and corrective actions are documented. Reporters receive an outcome summary (unless anonymous).
  5. Reporting: The Board receives quarterly summaries of all ethics reports and resolutions.

5. Governance Oversight

The Board Audit Committee has independent authority to investigate ethics complaints, engage external investigators or legal counsel, and recommend corrective action. The Committee reports directly to the full Board of Directors, not to management.

6. External Reporting

If you believe your concern has not been adequately addressed internally, you may also report to:

  • CHS Alliance: Report concerns to the Core Humanitarian Standard Alliance
  • HQAI: Independent quality assurance body for humanitarian organizations
  • OCHA: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs