About CISV
CISV International Policy Statement on Discrimination
As an organization committed to the value of each individual, CISV does not practice or tolerate discrimination within its programs or administration at any level.
In interpreting CISV's declaration against discrimination vis-a-vis "handicapped" applicants/participants, a "common sense" application of the rule is expected. This means that local laws/requirements must be observed as well as CISV's expectation that everyone participates fully within all program activities.
Guidelines to assist in selection/placement of participants for CISV programs include:
- The candidate has the intellectual ability appropriate for CISV programs;
- The candidate has the emotional stability to be successfully integrated into CISV group/family activities and to appropriately cope/manage with the "stress" of international travel/living;
- Housing/program/transportation facilities can successfully accommodate the individual without excessive difficulties (consultation with hosts may be required);
- Appropriately trained CISV Staff/Adult Delegates are available and willing to accept the extra responsibility involved.
In interpreting CISV's declaration against discrimination vis-a-vis the "status" of an applicant/member in situations not included in the guidelines noted above, the following standards will be observed:
- If local "customs" limit CISV in a manner contrary to the objects/practice of the organization (e.g. discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, ethnic background, language etc), protection extended in the UN's International Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and other appropriate regional human rights "charters" (including the right to privacy) will be observed in CISV operations irrespective of local custom.
- In balancing between the rights of the individual to participate fully within CISV's programs or administration and CISV's obligation to protect the health/safety of youth placed in CISV's care, the "balance" tips in favor of protecting the health/safety of the participants;
- CISV's observance of an applicant's or member's right to privacy is secondary to the obligations of such applicant/member to truthfully provide information that is "relevant" by law and/or CISV International policy when completing the CISV Health Form and applying either for a position of responsibility/trust in a CISV program or as a youth participant
- CISV National and Promotional Associations may supplement these policy declarations but they may not contradict the wording or effect of official International Board policy.
- CISV observes the right, without penalty, to cancel a program or to exclude/remove selected participants or persons having program responsibility "for good cause" without violating this policy of discrimination. In such cases CISV must observe its rules and procedures.