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Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs Board of Trustees Conflict of Interest Policy

Policy Objective
The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (BCFA) Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency. This Conflict of Interest Policy is established to protect the interests of the BCFA by ensuring that decisions made by the Board of Trustees are made impartially and are free from any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Board of Trustees, officers, and key volunteers who have the ability to influence decisions and operations of the BCFA.

Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when a Trustee or a person closely associated with the Trustee (family member, business partner, employer, etc.) has a personal, financial, or other interest that may be perceived as influencing the Trustee’s ability to act solely in the best interests of the BCFA.

Examples of conflicts include, but are not limited to:

  1. Financial Interests: Trustee has a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any entity or individual that does business with BCFA.
  2. Organizational Affiliation: Trustee serves as an officer, director, trustee, employee, or agent of an entity competing with or doing business with BCFA.
  3. Personal Gain: Trustee uses their position for personal profit or advantage.
  4. Other Relationships: Trustee’s personal relationships or circumstances interfere with impartiality or independence in decision-making.

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts

  1. Each Trustee shall promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest upon becoming aware of it.
  2. Disclosure should be made in writing to the Chair of the Board of Trustees or the designated officer for ethics and governance.
  3. New Trustees are required to disclose any existing conflicts at the beginning of their tenure.

Procedures for Managing Conflicts

  1. Recusal: A Trustee with a disclosed conflict shall recuse themselves from discussions and votes on any matter in which a conflict of interest exists.
  2. Review by the Board: The Chair or the designated officer may request that the matter be reviewed by an independent committee of the Board.
  3. Documentation: All disclosed conflicts and actions taken to resolve them shall be documented in meeting minutes.
  4. Periodic Review: The Board shall review this policy periodically and revise it as needed.

Annual Acknowledgment
Each Trustee shall annually complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form affirming that they have read and understood this policy and disclosed any relevant conflicts. This form shall be reviewed by the Board as part of ongoing governance.

Violations of the Policy
Trustees who fail to disclose conflicts of interest or act in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions, including removal from the Board, in accordance with the by-laws of BCFA.Policy Approval and Amendments
This Conflict of Interest Policy shall be approved by the Board of Trustees and may only be amended by a majority vote of the Board.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.