WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY

1.      INTRODUCTION

Jouzour Loubnan Association prioritizes ethical conduct in all its endeavours. This Whistleblowing & Complaints Management Policy establishes a safe and confidential channel for reporting concerns or suspected wrongdoing related to the Association's activities.

2.      Scope

This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with Jouzour Loubnan, including:

-         Employees: Full-time, part-time, temporary, contracted personnel.

-         Volunteers: Regular or occasional volunteers involved in Jouzour Loubnan's activities.

-         Board Members: Individuals serving on the governing board of the Association.

-         Consultants: External professionals providing expertise to Jouzour Loubnan.

-         Contractors: Companies or individuals engaged in services or projects for Jouzour Loubnan.

-         Donors: Individuals or organizations providing financial support to Jouzour Loubnan.

-         Beneficiaries: Communities or individuals receiving Jouzour Loubnan's services or support.

-         Any individual: With knowledge of potential wrongdoing within Jouzour Loubnan's operations.

3.      Whistleblowing Concerns:

Jouzour Loubnan encourages reporting of any suspected or actual:

3.1.   Illegal Activities

-         Fraud, embezzlement, theft of Association funds or resources.

-         Bribery, corruption, influence peddling involving Jouzour Loubnan staff or partners.

-         Money laundering, financial mismanagement, or misappropriation of funds.

3.2.   Policy Violations:

-         Breaches of Jouzour Loubnan's internal policies and procedures (e.g., financial regulations, procurement rules, code of conduct).

-         Non-compliance with environmental regulations or safety standards in restoration projects.

-         Unauthorized use of Association resources or assets.

3.3.   Unethical Behavior:

-         Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic.

-         Harassment, sexual misconduct, bullying, or verbal abuse within the Association.

-         Conflict of interest situations involving staff, board members, or partners.

-         Unfair treatment of beneficiaries or disregard for their rights and needs.

3.4.   Misuse of Resources:

-         Wasteful or inefficient use of financial resources (e.g., excessive spending, unauthorized expenses).

-         Mismanagement of human resources (e.g., unfair hiring practices, discrimination, employee exploitation).

-         Misuse of natural resources during restoration projects (e.g., unsustainable land use, environmental damage).

3.5.   Unsafe Working Conditions:

-         Failure to maintain safe working environments for employees and volunteers.

-         Lack of appropriate safety equipment or training for project activities.

-         Ignoring potential health and safety hazards in workplaces or project sites.

3.6.   Program Ineffectiveness:

-         Concerns about the effectiveness of Jouzour Loubnan's restoration programs or their impact on communities.

-         Misuse of donated funds or resources, leading to inadequate project outcomes.

-         Failure to monitor and measure the impact of projects on environmental restoration goals.

4.      Complaints Management:

Individuals can raise concerns through the following channels, choosing the most suitable for their comfort and situation:

-         Direct Report to the President or the Vice President: This option offers the highest level of confidentiality, particularly for sensitive concerns. The President or Vice President will ensure prompt and impartial investigation.

-         Line Manager or Supervisor: For concerns related to immediate workplace issues or interactions with colleagues, reporting directly to the supervisor is encouraged. They will facilitate communication with relevant authorities within Jouzour Loubnan.

-         To the following focal points by email or by phone or anonymously by mail:

Mr. Farid Maalouf          farid_maalouf@hotmail.com       Mobile: 03 204 192

Address:    Maalouf building Ground Floor, Chmiss Street, Achkout, Keserwan, Lebanon

Mrs. Maya Wakim         mayawakim15@gmail.com                    Mobile: 03 677 279

Address:    Imm Chawkat Khodr, 6e étage, Rue Khalil Ksseib, Sioufi, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon

5.      Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation:

Jouzour Loubnan prioritizes protecting the identity of whistleblowers and complainants. All reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Association strictly prohibits any form of retaliation or negative consequences against individuals raising concerns in good faith.

6.      Investigation and Resolution:

All reported concerns will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by a designated committee comprised of independent individuals with no conflict of interest. The committee will:

-         Review the reported concerns and gather evidence.

-         Interview relevant individuals and witnesses, ensuring confidentiality.

-         Analyze the findings and reach an objective conclusion.

-         Recommend appropriate actions to address the issue, including:

-         Disciplinary measures for individuals involved in wrongdoing.

-         Corrective measures to address systemic issues or policy loopholes.

-         Improvements to Jouzour Loubnan's internal procedures and controls.

-         Reporting serious violations to relevant law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

7.      Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices in whistleblowing and complaints management. The review process will involve input from relevant stakeholders, including staff, board members, and external experts.

8.      Resources and Support:

Jouzour Loubnan will provide resources and support to individuals raising concerns, including:

-         Information on Legal Protections: Guide individuals on available legal protections under Lebanese law for whistle-blowers and complainants.

-         Counselling and Guidance: Offer counselling services or connect individuals with appropriate resources for support during the reporting process.

-         Training on Reporting Procedures: Conduct training sessions for staff and volunteers on how to report concerns effectively and anonymously.

9.      Local Context and Legal Compliance

This policy acknowledges the specific legal and cultural context of Lebanon. Jouzour Loubnan will ensure the policy complies with all relevant Lebanese laws and regulations regarding whistleblowing and complaints management.

10.   Communication and Awareness:

Jouzour Loubnan actively promotes awareness of this policy to all stakeholders through various means and channels:

-         All Board and staff members of Jouzour Loubnan will have to sign a copy of the present Code acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of its terms and conditions.

-         Website and Publications: Publish the policy on Jouzour Loubnan's website.

-         Open Communication Culture: Foster an open and inclusive organizational culture where individuals feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of retribution.

11.   Conclusion

Jouzour Loubnan's commitment to ethical conduct and environmental restoration extends to establishing a robust and effective system for addressing concerns and upholding the highest standards of integrity. This Whistleblowing Policy empowers individuals to contribute to a responsible and transparent Association.