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Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs Board of Trustees Whistleblower Policy

Purpose
The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (BCFA) is committed to maintaining a culture of
openness, accountability, and ethical conduct. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to provide
a mechanism for trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers to report, without fear of
retaliation, any concerns regarding illegal, unethical, or improper conduct related to BCFA’s
operations and governance.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Board of Trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers
of the BCFA. It is designed to encourage reporting of any suspected violations of laws,
regulations, BCFA policies, or ethical standards.
Definition of Reportable Violations
Reportable violations under this policy include, but are not limited to:

  1. Fraud: Any fraudulent activity, including financial misconduct, misappropriation of funds,
    or falsification of records.
  2. Legal Violations: Any activity that violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
  3. Ethical Violations: Conduct that breaches BCFA’s Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest
    Policy, or other ethical standards.
  4. Safety Violations: Any action that endangers the health or safety of BCFA personnel,
    members, or the public.
  5. Retaliation: Any act of retaliation against an individual who, in good faith, reports a
    concern or assists in an investigation.
    Reporting Procedures

Reporting Procedures

  1. Reporting Channels: Concerns may be reported to the Chairman of the Board of
    Trustees, the President, or any designated officer responsible for compliance and ethics.
  2. Anonymous Reporting: While the BCFA encourages individuals to provide their names
    when reporting, anonymous reports will also be accepted and investigated to the extent
    possible.
  3. Good Faith Requirement: Reports should be made in good faith with reasonable
    grounds for believing that the reported information indicates a violation of law or policy.
    Malicious or knowingly false reports may lead to disciplinary action.
    Investigation Process

Investigation Process

  1. Review of Report: All reports will be reviewed promptly by the designated officer or a
    Whistleblower Committee to determine the appropriate scope and course of the
    investigation.
  2. Confidentiality: To the fullest extent possible, the identity of the whistleblower will be
    protected, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation.
  3. Documentation: A written record of the reported incident and investigative steps taken
    shall be maintained in accordance with BCFA’s record-keeping policy.

Protection from Retaliation

The BCFA strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual who, in good faith,
reports a concern or participates in an investigation. Retaliation includes adverse employment
actions, harassment, demotion, or discrimination. Individuals who believe they have been
subjected to retaliation should report this to the Board Chair, Executive Director, or designated
compliance officer.


Violations of this anti-retaliation provision may result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment or removal from the Board.


Annual Review and Training
The Whistleblower Policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to ensure its
effectiveness. Trustees and employees will receive annual training on the Whistleblower Policy,
including information on how to identify and report potential violations.


Policy Approval and Amendments
This Whistleblower 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.