BRITISH & IRISH AGENCIES AFGHANISTAN GROUP: ABOUT BAAG / BAAG PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLES FOR THE BRITISH & IRISH AGENCIES AFGHANISTAN GROUP (BAAG)1. Members acknowledge the benefits of staff of NGOs coming together through their common interest and their wish to support the aims of an umbrella group.
2. The aims of the umbrella group are to share, obtain, analyse and provide accurate information that is relevant to the aid operation in Afghanistan and to undertake activities that will lead to the best policies and good practice and to disseminate and advocate for these.
3. Members will undertake to support the aims of BAAG and to collaborate on matters of mutual interest, both between staff at headquarters and in the field, particularly when sharing sectors or geographical areas of work, and with other national and international NGOs.
4. Members will agree with the principles of aid being provided in a neutral and impartial manner. Notwithstanding the right of members to espouse particular political or religious opinions their aid will not be dependent on the adherence of the recipients to those opinions and therefore members will not proselytise, will be willing to engage in debate and to be transparent about their work.
5. Members will support the work of NGOs, national and international, operating on the principle that they are there to assist Afghans in looking after themselves and in building and developing their country.
6. Members will undertake to ensure that they are fully aware of the views of Afghans, both beneficiaries and others, and to pass these on when contributing to debates as well as promoting Afghan involvement in debates.
7. Members undertake to contribute to the development of and to consider signing up to accepted codes of conduct that are appropriate for the work that they do.
8. Members will undertake to give appropriate and up to date briefings to any staff/consultants that go to the field on behalf of the agencies.
9. Members will take every precaution for the safety/good employment practice with regard to national and international staff and consultants (See the People In Aid Code - click here).
10. Members will endeavour to project a positive image of BAAG, of NGOs, and of the delivery of relief and development assistance.
11. Members will seek to provide accurate, fair and balanced information on Afghans and Afghanistan, on Islam and Muslims and on refugees and asylum seekers.
July 2002