Conduct in the field is particularly challenging and subject to misinterpretation for a variety of reasons, including the volatility of a situation, the challenges of working in a multicultural environment, and the complexity of local societies and their expectations. 

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• In crises or urgent situations, necessary fast action or statements by you can be misunderstood by those who do not know and trust you, so be careful of how you say things and look for indications that you have been misunderstood.

• Mission colleagues you work closely with will come from different cultures with different behaviours, so it is easy for them to misunderstand your actions or words, or for you to misunderstand them.  Look for indications that you have been misunderstood, and do not hesitate to indicate that you are uncomfortable with something they have said or done and give them an opportunity to explain.

• Host society is both complex and usually very different from your home society.  In addition, local expectations can be extremely different from what you or your mission is mandated or capable of.  Host society has to deal with multiple international agencies and a diversity of international personnel with different behaviours, with many possibilities for misunderstandings.

• You and other international colleagues are in a relatively powerful position in relation to the local population and you have a responsibility to refrain from taking advantage of that position, even if in an unintended manner. Individuals in the local population can be, or perceive themselves as, dependent upon you and will not question you or push back. This can lead, without any intent on your part, to abuses of power unless you actively look to defend against such unintended consequences.

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So, in field missions, how best to conduct yourself professionally and be seen to be acting professionally? To help, we have set out some concrete examples of how to apply the CANADEM Code of Conduct for Professional International Service:

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• Remain aware of the additional vulnerabilities of women and children in crisis situations;

• Buying or arranging for any sexual services is grounds for dismissal, as is having sexual relations with any member of your mission’s beneficiary population or any person dependent upon you, including subordinates and support staff;

• Sexual relations of any kind with children will result in immediate termination and possible legal action and prosecution. For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, a child is any person under the age of 18 years. Mistaken belief in the age of the child does not constitute a defence;

• Avoid any relationship with children which could in any way be misinterpreted as exploitative or abusive. The younger the children, the more your actions including touching or being in a room alone with them, could be interpreted as abusive, and such actions should be avoided no matter how well intended;

• Remain aware of the spread of smartphones with cameras, and ability of others to track your every communications and downloads.  For example, it is wrong to look at, save or spread pornographic material and you will be found out;

• Avoid offensive language about anyone or any group of people that you assist or work with.  Avoid abusive or harsh language in any situation.  See yourself as a representative of CANADEM, your country, your mission, and the international community at large;

• Be aware that organised crime can be present in many different types of activities. Avoid contact with illegal activities in all situations, even minor situations such as black-market currency exchanges. Criminal networks are such that even minor illegal dealings can result in you indirectly supporting organized crime up to and including human trafficking;

• Do not give or accept bribes, or involve yourself with the trade of goods or services for personal gain.  Do not act in a way that could give the impression that you expect anything in return.  Actual or perceived corruption and abuse of power, will always be in direct contravention to what your mission and the international community is trying to achieve;

• Even if local law permits alcohol, never drink on duty, nor drink and drive. Many decide not to drink when on mission, while others restrict themselves to moderate drinking during leisure time. Of course, totally avoid all illegal narcotics.  Always abide by all local laws, it is both respectful and the law!

• Informally encourage and assist your colleagues to act professionally, but remember that you have a duty to report serious breaches both to protect individuals being abused, and to protect the integrity of your mission.