FUNDAMENTAL CHARTER
"HOMO SUM: HUMANI NIHIL
A ME ALIENUM PUTO"
"AS A HUMAN BEING, NOBODY CAN BE ALIEN TO ME"
Terence, 195-159 b.C.
This sentence summarises the key principle of INTERSOS, the starting
point from which all INTERSOS values originate, that characterises
the philosophy of all INTERSOS interventions. This statement emphasizes
the core position of the human being and implies the respect of
the principles of equality, justice, peace, solidarity and therefore
the duty of each individual to support all people in difficulty
and those who are suffering, in an unconditional way and regardless
of any consideration of race, belief, religion, or any other nature.
INTERSOS
IS:
WITHOUT BARRIERS
INTERSOS operates in absolute coherence with the principles of both
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention
of Human Rights: people in need must be assisted with no distinction
or discrimination of race, gender, religious belief, nationality,
ethnic origin or class.
IMPARTIAL
For INTERSOS, the victim is to be considered as such in any case,
regardless of his belonging to any political, religious, or social
group. INTERSOS' humanitarian activity must be impartial and aimed
at helping all people in danger and in need. This does not prevent
INTERSOS from singling out personal or institutional responsibility
regarding any catastrophic event, both natural or man-made, and
taking a public position.
INDEPENDENT
INTERSOS is independent from any political or ideological influence,
be it national or international. This independence of thought and
judgement legitimates INTERSOS to condemn any violation of human
rights and any form of injustice and inequity without conditions.
The same principle of independence determines the choice of donors,
both public and private.
SENSITIVE TO LOCAL CULTURES
INTERSOS carefully avoids operations that can have traumatic effects
on the people or the environment. INTERSOS strongly respects local
cultures and traditions and the environment where they live and
carefully appraise the use of appropriate behaviours, models, ways
of working, technologies in order to improve living conditions without
damaging local cultures and the surrounding environment.
SUPPORTIVE OF LOCAL CAPACITIES
INTERSOS core value is the dignity of the human being. In its work,
the local population is, from the very beginning, actively involved
in all decisions and activities, aiming at give value and develop
the capacity and competence of individuals and communities and gradually
decrease their dependence on external assistance. INTERSOS relationship
with local populations is based on dialogue and participation and
aiming at developing partnership with local counterparts.
INTERSOS is sensitive to political, social and religious conditions
of the countries of operation; it promotes, whenever possible, initiatives
for reconciliation and for the promotion of the values of respect,
solidarity and peace.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH TO SOLIDARITY
INTERSOS believes that motivation and professional capacity are
two essential and inseparable components of humanitarian action.
Solidarity motivation and professionalism are fundamental to be
able to respond to the population needs with humanity, effectiveness
and quality. INTERSOS aid workers are committed to respect professional
ethics of humanitarian work and they contribute to spread the principles
of solidarity and peace.
TRANSPARENT
INTERSOS activities are funded by private and public donors. The
budget of each project is controlled by public auditors and certified
audits. The organisation annual budget is certified and public.
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