A Place for Myanmar Human Right Defenders

OIA's Policies And Publications


The True Character of a Society Is Revealed in How It Treats Its Children”

CHILDREN SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Policy Statement: OIA believes that every single child must possess a right to a delighted, healthy and creative childhood. Then, we believe in encouraging public to exploit their unique strengths and commitments to secure and protect the rights of children.

Purpose:                     

To examine and acknowledge the children have rights under the constitution.

To inspire and empower young people to their major achievements and potential in daily lives.

To promote humanitarian equality and social justice.

To provide food and clothing to those in need.

To create safe and reliable communities.

Key Definitions

ü  Child = In OIA policy, the child is defined as a person up to the age of 18 years.

ü  Child Abuse = Child abuse is defined as all forms of physical abuse, emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, and any action that result in actual or potential harm to a child.

ü  Child Safeguarding = Child safeguarding is the protection of children from any violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect.

What are the rights of the children?

             OIA committed that child rights are human rights which also recognize the special needs for care and protection of children and young people under the age of 18. Regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender or cultural background, every single child should be treated fairly on any basis.

OIA’s Code of Conduct on the Rights of the Child

OIA’s staff, associates and visitor MUST:

  • To ensure all rights apply to children regardless of their age, race, nationality, gender, wealth, birthplace and traditional background.
  • To agree that all children have the right to a life of fullness.
  • To encourage parents to make sure that their children are equipped with the knowledge and education level to understand their rights.
  • To commit every single person must respect a child’s right to his or her own identity.
  • To participate in the child rights education programs and encouraging the public that children should not be replaced or removed from their parents unless for their own good.
  • To watch over the illegal removal of children from their birthplaces or motherlands.
  • To agree that all children have the right to mention their opinion at any situation and can speak out what they think.
  • To be conscious of and sensitive towards the privacy and dignity of every child.
  • To give respect the decision of children.
  • To respond and report any situation and circumstance that might place a child at risk or harm.

OIA’s staff, associates and visitors MUST NOT:

  • Abuse any child and put the child at the risk or harm.
  • Engage in any behavior to bully, humiliate, shame, threaten any child.
  • Physically or mentally abuse or hit any child or use any form of violence or punishment against any child.
  • Participate in any form of objective abuse (alcohol, smoking, drugs, tobacco, and so on) in the sight or presence of the children.
  • Share or exploit the identity and personal information of children.
  • Take images or videos in silent or in situations that may be regarded as being secretive to any child.
  • Take children to home/ residence or any other private space for the day or night and share a room with a child alone.
  • Employ or enforce illegally any child whose age is under eighteen. 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

This Sexual Harassment Policy applies to all employees at all locations of Overseas Irrawaddy Association. All employees become subject to this policy on their first day of employment with Overseas Irrawaddy Association.

Sexual Harassment at Overseas Irrawaddy Association is severely prohibited.

Any harassment by one employee of Overseas Irrawaddy Association directed at another during and outside of work hours is expressly prohibited. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that a person finds offensive and results in a hostile or intimidating work environment.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) describes sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Furthermore, harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. 

Which actions includes in “Sexual Harassment”.

  • Sexual pranks, or repeated sexual teasing, jokes, or innuendo, in person or via e-mail;
  • Verbal abuse of a sexual nature;
  • Touching or grabbing of a sexual nature;
  • Repeatedly standing too close to or brushing up against a person;
  • Repeatedly asking a person to socialize during off-duty hours when the person has said no or has indicated he or she is not interested (supervisors in particular should be careful not to pressure their employees to socialize);
  • Giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive;
  • Repeatedly making sexually suggestive gestures;
  • Making or posting sexually demeaning or offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace;
  • Off-duty, unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that affects the work environment.A victim of sexual harassment can be a man or a woman. The victim can be of the same sex as the harasser. The harasser can be a supervisor, co-worker, other Department employee, or a non-employee who has a business relationship with the Department.

1.1 Sexual Harassment Investigation Procedure

Any employee who has been the subject of sexual harassment may tell the harasser to stop immediately. If the harasser continues or if the individual is afraid or uncomfortable with speaking directly to the harasser, they should immediately report the incident to Management Committee. Management Committee must be made aware of any inappropriate workplace behavior so that action can be taken immediately.

Sexual harassment complaints should be submitted to Management Committee as soon as possible after the occurrence of the incident. An Association Representative may help an employee complete a written statement or, if the employee refuses to provide a written complaint, association Representative may file a complaint on behalf of the employee. Confidentiality, to the extent possible, will be preserved, but it is not always possible for the employee to remain anonymous for the entire duration of a sexual harassment investigation.

1.2 Complaint

A sexual harassment complaint must provide at least the following information:

  • The complaining employee’s name and position
  • The name and position of the harasser
  • The date of the incident
  • The location of the incident
  • A detailed description of the incident
  • A description of any witnesses present
  • The effect of the incident on the employee’s ability to perform their job.
  • Names and positions of other employees who may have been subjected to similar harassment.
  • What steps, if any, the employee has taken to try and stop the harassment
  • Any other relevant information

1.3 Investigation

Upon receipt of a complaint, Association Representative will begin an investigation of the incident within one business day. Management Committee will speak with the harasser and any witnesses. Committee will also review any other evidence available such as video footage or audio recordings.

The employee who filed the complaint will not participate in or learn of discussions with other employees. Upon completion of the investigation, Association Representative will inform the employee of the result of the investigation. Unless there are circumstances requiring more time, determined solely by Management Committee, the investigation shall be completed within 60 days of Association Representative’s receipt of the complaint.

1.4 Confidentiality

During the investigation, Association Representative will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible. Interviews with the harasser and witnesses may require Association Representative to reveal the complainant’s name but Association Representative will take steps to ensure the complainant is protected from retaliation during and after the investigation. Any information relating to a sexual harassment complaint and investigation shall be maintained in secure and confidential files retained by Association Representative.

1.5 Discipline

If an employee is found to have sexually harassed another employee in violation of this policy, the mandatory minimum discipline is work suspension while investigating the cases. Discipline for repeat violations or for ongoing offenses shall be immediate termination of employment. Employees in violation of this policy may also be subject to civil damages and criminal penalties.

ASSETS MANAGEMENT POLICY

1.1 Purpose

To carry out its activities, Overseas Irrawaddy Association needs material resources. The quality of these resources is dependent upon how they are used. Material resources are in large part durable goods, which need to be well-managed to be maintained in good condition. These goods shall include stationary, tables, chairs, shelves, computers, mobile devices and related accessories. The Fixed Assets Policy will aim for:

Definite identification of goods that are part of the asset base;

  • sensible use of goods,
  • periodic taking of physical inventory,
  • effective maintenance of goods,
  • filling up of goods when required.

1.2 Methodology

At Overseas Irrawaddy Association, the management of material resources is the responsibility of Zar Ni Htoon, Office Staff. The methodology involved in managing these resources are:

  • receiving and recording goods
  • using goods properly
  • maintaining goods;
  • taking inventory of goods;
  • disposing of goods.
  • Materials resources shall be managed by records or files.

1.3 Asset inventory

The purpose of the inventory is the physical monitoring of the items belonging to a project. The inventory makes it possible to detect differences between information about goods in the records and the actual state of goods.

Inventory is usually done once a year and is the responsibility of the finance department.

1.3.1 Procedures

The inventory procedure is composed of the following steps:

(1) Creation of record cards on which is found:

  • type of item
  • description of item
  • identification code
  • service user or name of manager
  • assigned location
  • previous placement of item
  • notes on condition of item
  • record updates
  • minutes of physical inventory

(2) Final removal of an item

(3) Replacement of an item

(4) List of annual needs

1.4 Assets for Association from Project Grant

From the project grants, there is reasonable assurance that OIA shall obtain ownership of items which used in every phase of project and each value of every single item which is proposed to use in projects shall be described as inventory procedures.

OIA shall obtain ownership every used item which market value is less than or equal 1,500 USD. If exceeded, OIA shall negotiate with project owners or donor organizations from the financial and organizational development point of view.

OIA shall obtain 8% of all project grant for further organization development and growth.

1.5 Removal of items

The inventory procedure described above permits the identification of dilapidated or defective goods whose presence in office for various reasons:

  • steep rise in operating or maintenance expenses,
  • excessive cost of repair,
  • any other objective reason.

The Executive Director should give the authorization to take out of service, transfer or dispose of any items, and that should be noted in the book of assets.

HUMAN RIGHT POLICY

1.1 Historical Background

Universal Declaration of Human Rights List of 30 basic human rights Human rights is moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behavior, and are regularly protected as legal rights in municipal and international law. Everyone born in this world have human rights that must be protected by the law. According to United Nations, there are 30 basic human rights that recognized around the world. So what are the 30 human rights according to Universal Declaration of Human Rights by United Nations? Basic human rights recognized around the world declared by United Nations through Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These declaration held by United Nations General Assembly at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France on 10 December 1948.

Of the then 58 members of the United Nations, 48 voted in favor, none against, eight abstained, and two did not vote. This declaration consists of 30 articles affirming an individual’s rights. Those 30 articles currently known as 30 universal declaration of human rights or 30 basic human rights, including rights to life, rights to education, rights to organize and rights to treated fair among others things. The 30 universal human rights also cover up freedom of opinion, expression, thought and religion. 30 Basic Human Rights List So what are the 30 basic human rights list? Here are full list of 30 human rights according to Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by United Nations, signed in Paris on 10 December 1948.

1.1 .1 All human beings are free and equal

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

1.1.2 No discrimination

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs.

1.1.3 Right to life

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

1.1.4 No slavery

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

1.1.5 No torture and inhuman treatment

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

1.1.6 Same right to use law

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

1.1.7 Equal before the law

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation and against any incitement to such discrimination.

1.1.8 Right to treat fair by court

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

1.1.9 No unfair detainment

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

1.1.10 Right to trial

Everyone is entitled i7 full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

1.1.11 Innocent until proved guilty

Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense. No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed.

1.1.12 Right to privacy

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

1.1.13 Freedom to movement and residence

Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

1.1.14 Right to asylum

Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

1.1.15 Right to nationality

Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

1.1.16 Rights to marry and have family

Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

1.1.17 Right to own things

Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

1.1.18 Freedom of thought and religion

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

1.1.19 Freedom of opinion and expression

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

1.1.20 Right to assemble

Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

1.1.21 Right to democracy

Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

1.1.22 Right to social security

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

1.1.23 Right to work

Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

1.1.24 Right to rest and holiday

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

1.1.25 Right of social service

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, and housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children shall enjoy the same social protection.

1.1.26 Right to education

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

1.1.27 Right of cultural and art

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

1.1.28 Freedom around the world

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

1.1.29 Subject to law

Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

1.1.30 Human rights can’t be taken away

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein. So those are all Universal Declaration of Human Rights list by United Nations General Assembly. All universal human rights list above commonly known as 30 basic human rights that must be respected and protected by the law.

WOMEN RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT POLICY

Policy Statement: OIA is committed to promoting gender equality and upholding the rights of women within all aspects of its operations. This policy aims to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that respects and values the contributions of individuals of all genders.

Objectives: to eliminate the discrimination based on gender, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

to provide equal opportunities for professional and personal development, regardless of gender.

to empower women by creating an environment that encourages their active participation in decision-making processes and leadership roles.

To recognize the importance of work-life balance and will work to provide flexible arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.

To ensure equal access to education and eliminate gender-based barriers that may obstruct educational opportunities.

Definitions

Gender Equality: Gender equality is a fundamental principle of human rights that emphasizes the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of all individuals, regardless of their gender. It is an issue that advocates for the elimination of discrimination and bias based on gender, ensuring that both men and women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes. Gender equality, is also sexual equality which is the equal ease of reach to resources and occasions regardless of gender.

Rights & Empowerment of Women: Women’s rights are actually human rights. These rights are the rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls all over the world. These include the rights to live free from violence, slavery, freedom from speech and discrimination.

What are the rights of the women?

            We, Overseas Irrawaddy Association, committed women rights which include the right of living free from violence and discrimination, enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, education, individual’s properties, vote, and earning an equal wage.

OIA’s Code of Conduct on the Rights of the Woman

OIA’s staff, associates and visitor MUST:

To ensure all right apply to gender equality and regard as women have rights to be treated equal to men start in all conditions of life.

To agree that women have the right to work and pursue a career of their choice, which facing gender-based discrimination or harassment.

To ensure that women have the right to participate in workplaces and earn equal pay for equal work.

To ensure that women have the right to achieve reproductive health services such as family planning, contraception, and childbirth safety at all cost.

To ensure that women have the right to live freely from all forms of violence, especially, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking.

To agree that women have the right to participate in political concerns, vote as they desire, and hold public infrastructures on an equal basis with men.

To agree that women have the right to approach quality education levels and to achieve their full potential by providing educational opportunities.

OIA’s staff, associates and visitors MUST NOT:

Engage in any behavior to bully, humiliate, shame, threaten any woman concerned with their physical appearance, lifestyle, race and religion.

Physically or mentally abuse or hit any woman or use any form of violence or punishment against any woman.

Share or exploit the identity and personal information of women.

Take images or videos in silent or in situations that may be regarded as being secretive to any woman.

Employ or enforce illegally any woman.

Force any woman not to work except domestic work and create earning gaps based on gender inequality.

Limit the potential and availability of women at work, politics, social influencing, education and healthcare.

Encourage any individual to make any form of violence including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking.