This Standard addresses the ethical principles of fairness and co-operation. The trust of the public is undermined when false allegations are made about civil society organizations. Accurate communications, whether about one’s own Organization or others, are essential to maintain respect within and for the sector. Organizations share a responsibility to act in ways that enhance public trust of the international co-operation community. The public does not often distinguish between the acts of one Organization and others. Misinformation about one Organization can tarnish many.

The CCIC ethics program includes appropriate mechanisms to address concerns about another Organization or CCIC. Using these mechanisms strengthens rather than undermines the international co-operation sector. 

• Staff and governing body members are aware that the Organization must not discredit or give out misinformation about another Organization. 
• Public communication materials do not discredit or include any misinformation about another Organization.

• Is the information received about another Organization true?
• Is the source of the information honourable?
• What is the most appropriate and ethical approach to take now that we have this information?

• Contacting the Organization in question, or CCIC, to verify information that is of concern before taking any other steps.
• Letting the other Organization, or CCIC, know that certain information has come to your attention and that if true, is of concern to your Organization.
• Ignoring information that you know to be false, or which is obviously malicious, and stopping the spread of it further within your Organization.

• Placing an advertisement in the newspaper denouncing the practices of a Member Organization.
• Spreading false information about the behaviours of staff of another Member Organization during a media interview.