on Non-discrimination and Gender Equality of the
Non-governmental Organisation “Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre”
1.1. The Non-Discrimination and Gender Equality Policy of the non-governmental organisation ‘Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Policy’) aims to ensure equal rights and opportunities and to prevent any form of discrimination, harassment, disrespect, violence or persecution, regardless of age, gender, race or skin colour, ethnic or social origin, nationality, religious or other beliefs, political views, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status or disability, family, property or socio-economic status, place of residence, or any other real or perceived characteristics.
1.2. This policy has been developed in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, Ukrainian legislation on the prevention and combating of discrimination, and international human rights standards.
1.3. The non-governmental organisation ‘Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre’ (hereinafter referred to as the Organisation) recognises its responsibility to respect, protect and ensure human rights in all areas of its activities and in its interactions with all persons with whom it cooperates.
1.4. This Policy applies to members of the Organisation, members of the General Assembly, the Chair of the Board, staff, volunteers, contractors, partners, donors, beneficiaries and other persons involved in the Organisation’s activities.
1.5. This Policy applies to all aspects of the Organisation’s activities, in particular:
the admission and expulsion of members of the Organisation;
the election and functioning of management bodies;
staff recruitment and the engagement of partners;
terms and conditions of employment and cooperation;
the allocation of duties and responsibilities;
training and professional development;
performance appraisal, incentives and termination of employment;
internal and external communication.
2.1. The following definitions apply in this Policy:
2.1.1. Discrimination means any restriction, privilege or exclusion on the grounds of race, skin colour, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, health status, nationality, national or social origin, religious or political beliefs, marital or property status, or on other grounds, which results in or may result in a violation of the equality of human rights and freedoms.
2.1.2. Gender equality — the equal legal status of women and men and equal opportunities for its realisation, enabling persons of both sexes to participate equally in all spheres of social life.
2.1.3. Equal rights for women and men — the absence of restrictions or privileges on the grounds of sex.
2.2. All forms of discrimination are prohibited, in particular direct and indirect discrimination, harassment (persecution) and incitement to discrimination. The definitions of direct and indirect discrimination are applied in the sense set out in the Law of Ukraine “On the Principles of Preventing and Combating Discrimination in Ukraine”.
2.3. In its work, the Organisation is guided by the following principles:
respecting human dignity;
equal rights and opportunities for women and men;
promoting gender equality;
preventing discrimination in any form;
inclusivity and diversity;
zero tolerance for hate speech, violence and humiliation.
2.4. Every person involved in the Organisation’s activities has the right to respect, equal treatment and protection against discrimination.
2.5. The Organisation undertakes to:
create a safe and non-discriminatory environment;
take the principle of equality into account when making management decisions;
respond to all reports of potential breaches of this Policy;
provide information and, where possible, training on non-discrimination.
2.6. Members of the Organisation, members of its management bodies, staff, volunteers and representatives of the Organisation are required to comply with the provisions of this Policy, refrain from any discriminatory actions or remarks, and contribute to fostering a culture of respect and equality.
3.1. The organisation encourages the reporting of any instances of discrimination, harassment, persecution or bullying, regardless of the status or position of the person who committed the violation, including the Chair of the Board or a member of the General Assembly.
3.2. The Organisation ensures equal opportunities in recruitment, prohibiting discrimination on any grounds, with a particular focus on ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination.
3.3. All employees of the Organisation, regardless of any grounds, including race, skin colour, beliefs, age, gender, ethnic and social origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, shall have equal opportunities for professional development, including access to education, training and professional development.
3.4. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discriminatory behaviour have the right to:
approach the person responsible for the violation and demand that such behaviour cease;
report the matter to the Chair of the Board or another authorised representative of the Organisation in any convenient form.
3.5. The Organisation ensures the confidentiality of reports and the protection of persons who have in good faith reported possible violations from any form of persecution or adverse consequences.
3.6. To investigate the circumstances of an incident following receipt of a report or in the event of information being received from other sources, a relevant commission may be established by decision of the Chair of the Board or the General Assembly.
3.7. The procedures for the operation of such a commission, its composition and the duration of its work shall be determined by a separate decision of the Board or the General Assembly of the Organization.
3.8. Where necessary, the Organization has the right to engage external independent experts on issues of equality, inclusion and non-discrimination.
3.9. If discrimination is confirmed, the Organisation shall take measures to restore the violated rights of the affected person, apply the response and/or accountability measures provided for in internal documents, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3.10. The Chair of the Board shall ensure the implementation of this Policy, inform the Organisation’s members and partners of its provisions, monitor compliance with the Policy, and initiate its periodic review and update. The General Assembly shall exercise overall control over compliance with the Policy.
4.1. This Policy is binding on all persons to whom it applies.
4.2. Any breach of the provisions of this Policy may give rise to disciplinary action in accordance with the Articles of Association, the Organisation’s internal documents and the laws of Ukraine.
