Introduction and Scope

Rafto Foundation is committed to promoting and protecting human rights. Human rights and human dignity must be respected in both our external and internal practices.

These ethical guidelines apply to all individuals associated with Rafto Foundation —including staff, volunteers, and partners—and are binding in all contexts where they represent, act on behalf of, or participate in activities related to the organisation. This includes professional duties, public appearances, events, travel, digital communication, and social settings organised by or connected to the Rafto Foundation. Partners include individuals and organisations collaborating with Rafto Foundation, such as funding recipients and project partners. All are expected to uphold and promote universal human rights as enshrined in international law.

The guidelines provide a shared ethical foundation for conduct, decision-making, and collaboration.

Integrity and Accountability

Transparency and honesty are fundamental to our work. All individuals associated with Rafto Foundation must act with integrity, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and that decisions are made in the best interest of human rights protection. Accountability is essential to building trust, and we are committed to learning from our actions, acknowledging mistakes, and making improvements where necessary.

Cooperation and Communication

Rafto Foundation is committed to maintaining a working environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful. The culture within the Rafto Foundation, including in international and local meeting spaces, must be characterized by mutual respect, helpfulness, and cooperation. All forms of communication, whether internal or external, should be conducted with attentiveness, openness, and respect for differing perspectives.

Discrimination, harassment, and unwanted sexual attention are not tolerated in any work- related or social setting organised or financed by Rafto Foundation.

Diversity and Equality

Rafto Foundation embraces diversity and strive for an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We embrace a broad definition of diversity, recognising the richness that different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences bring to our community.

We do not tolerate discrimination on any grounds, including, but not limited to, appearance, gender, gender identity and expression, sexuality, religion, age, nationality, ethnicity, disability, medical condition, socio-economic status, cultural background, or language.

We encourage all members of our community to act with kindness, respect, and consideration in their interactions. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour, materials, and speech. We encourage individuals to speak up if they witness conduct that undermines these principles during events or other engagements.

Gender equality is a key priority for Rafto Foundation and is systematically integrated into all aspects of our work, including reporting, planning, partnerships, and funding decisions, to ensure fair representation and support for inclusive initiatives. We are committed to achieving gender balance in leadership roles, decision-making processes, and organisational representation. Additionally, all projects and advocacy efforts must incorporate a gender perspective, ensuring that our work contributes to meaningful and lasting equality.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH)

Rafto Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).

The following definitions apply:

Sexual exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes, including but not limited to profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Sexual harassment: Any form of unwanted sexual attention that has the purpose or effect of being offensive, frightening, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or troublesome.

All staff, volunteers, and partners must uphold the highest standards of conduct to prevent any form of SEAH in our work and engagements. This also includes taking reasonable steps to prevent, detect, and respond to SEAH within and related to our activities. Rafto Foundation has zero-tolerance for inaction against SEAH and follows a survivor-centred approach to SEAH issues. These obligations apply to all staff members, volunteers, partners, and any third parties involved in activities funded by Rafto Foundation.

Concerns or reports regarding SEAH should be submitted through the designated channels, as described at the end of this document. All cases will be handled with confidentiality and sensitivity, ensuring appropriate action is taken. Retaliation against individuals who report misconduct in good faith is not tolerated.

Anti-Corruption and Financial Accountability

Rafto Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and financial misconduct. Financial misconduct includes any form of fraud, bribery, favouritism, nepotism, embezzlement, misuse of confidential information, financial reporting fraud, or other dishonest practices.

Staff, volunteers, and partners must not use information obtained through their roles to harm others or for personal benefit, including the benefit of family, friends, or business associates.

Accepting personal gifts, services, or hospitality from business associates, partners or sponsors is generally not allowed. However, small, symbolic gifts on special occasions may be accepted

if they are declared and recorded in Rafto Foundation’s gift registry. Any gift or benefit that may be perceived to influence decision-making is strictly prohibited. Likewise, giving or offering gifts, services, or benefits that could be seen as attempts to improperly influence another party is not permitted. These standards also apply to interactions involving close associates.

Conflict of Interest

Individuals must avoid situations that could give rise to a conflict between the interests of Rafto Foundation and their own personal interests, including those of close associates such as family members or business partners. All actual or perceived conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly to a supervisor or relevant contact person at Rafto Foundation.

Employees and volunteers in leadership positions have a particular responsibility to assess and declare any roles, affiliations, or financial investments that may influence—or appear to influence—their impartiality or alignment with the organisation’s values. Personal interests must never interfere with the mission and objectives of Rafto Foundation.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Sensitive information related to our work and the individuals we assist must be handled with the utmost care. Staff and volunteers must adhere to relevant data protection laws and ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Responsible Use of Social Media

Staff, volunteers, and partners are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully on social media, whether posting in a personal or professional capacity. Online content should not include hate speech, discriminatory language, or messages that undermine the dignity of others. Posts that could damage the credibility of Rafto Foundation, reveal confidential information, or blur the line between professional and personal roles should be avoided. When representing the Rafto Foundation, always ensure that communication reflects our ethical principles and commitment to human rights.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Rafto Foundation recognises the importance of environmental sustainability in human rights work. We strive to minimise our ecological footprint by promoting responsible resource use, reducing waste, and incorporating environmentally friendly practices into our operations, events, and partnerships. These considerations should be taken into account in all planning processes concerning projects, events and travels.

Working with Minors and School Students

Rafto Foundation works with school students and other minors in educational activities. Staff and volunteers must always act with professionalism, respect, and care. All interaction must be age-appropriate and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse.

Adults should not be alone with minors in private or unsupervised settings unless this is authorised and safeguarding measures are in place. Any concerns of misconduct involving minors must be reported through the appropriate channels.

Representatives of the Rafto Foundation

All staff, volunteers, and other representatives of Rafto Foundation act as ambassadors for the organisation. This means demonstrating professionalism, respect, and integrity—whether in formal work settings, during travel, at public events, or in informal or social spaces connected to the Rafto Foundation.

Special attention must be paid to how one's behaviour might reflect on the organisation, particularly in positions of leadership or authority. Employees and volunteers in such roles have a heightened responsibility to safeguard inclusive and respectful spaces for others.

Representatives are also expected to exercise care when communicating in public spaces, including on social media, where the line between personal and professional identity may not be clear. Conduct that undermines public trust in the Rafto Foundation or damages its reputation may be considered a breach of these ethical guidelines.

Ethical Standards for Partner Organisations

Rafto Foundation expects all partner organisations to uphold high ethical standards in alignment with these guidelines. Partners must ensure that their activities, funding use, and public communications align with human rights principles and do not contribute to discrimination, corruption, or human rights abuses.

Guidelines for Events & Workshops

Participants in events and workshops organised by Rafto Foundation are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines. This includes treating all attendees with respect, fostering an inclusive atmosphere, and refraining from any form of harassment or discrimination. Any violation of these principles will be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.

Compliance and Implementation

These guidelines apply to all staff, volunteers, partners, and others acting on behalf of the Rafto Foundation. Regular awareness sessions for staff and volunteers, as well as continued dialogue with partners, will be provided to ensure understanding and compliance. All staff, volunteers, and partners are expected to actively contribute to fostering a culture of ethical responsibility and mutual accountability.

Procedures for Reporting and Addressing Misconduct

The purpose of these reporting procedures is to ensure that employees, volunteers, partners, and others associated with the Rafto Foundation have a safe, clear, and trustworthy channel for reporting serious concerns, unethical behaviour, corruption, or other forms of misconduct.

These procedures are aligned with the Norwegian Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven), Chapter 2 A, which gives employees the right to report censurable conditions and provides protection against retaliation.

What Can Be Reported?

You are encouraged to report any of the following:

Breaches of the Rafto Foundation’s Ethical Guidelines
Corruption, financial misconduct, or misuse of funds
Harassment, discrimination, or other unethical behaviour

Who Can Report?

Employees and volunteers
Partners, suppliers, and guests
Any other individuals associated with the Rafto Foundation

How to Report?

Concerns may be reported verbally or in writing to:

Your contact person at the Rafto Foundation
Directly to one of the designated contacts:

Executive Director, Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt (he/him):

Phone: +47 920 66 025 – E-mail: jostein.hole.kobbeltvedt@rafto.no

Head of Administration, Frøydis Olaussen (she/her):

Phone: +47 920 29 422 – E-mail: froydis.olaussen@rafto.no

If needed, to the Chair of the Board of Directors at Rafto Foundation, Frode Elgesem (he/him): Phone: +47 416 96 089 – E-mail: frode.elgesem@gmail.com

Handling of Reports

All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially, in accordance with due process
Reports will be documented, and whistleblowers will receive a response within a reasonable timeframe
The Executive Director or Head of Administration will assess the case and determine the appropriate follow-up, which may include internal investigations, corrective action, or notification to the Board
In serious cases, legal authorities may be involved, and additional sanctions may be considered

Minor concerns and the importance of dialogue

Not all concerns require formal reporting. For issues that do not constitute a direct breach of guidelines—such as differences in communication style, misunderstandings, or professional disagreements—we encourage respectful dialogue. Addressing such matters directly with the person involved can help build mutual understanding and prevent escalation. You are also welcome to seek informal advice from someone you trust.
Nevertheless, we emphasise that any issue involving serious breaches of ethical guidelines should always be reported through the established channels.

Protection Against Retaliation

Rafto Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation. Any form of reprisal against individuals who report concerns in good faith will be treated as a serious violation of policy.

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

All reports are logged securely, with anonymous reports documented without identifying information. These procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to ensure their effectiveness.