Preamble

Parents International is a global charitable organization with members from all continents dedicated to advancing the rights, responsibilities, and well-being of parents and children. Our work is guided by the principles of human dignity, family autonomy, scientific integrity, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.

This Code of Ethics sets out the standards that govern our partnerships, trainings, advocacy, and research activities. It is intended to ensure that all actions undertaken in the name of Parents International are aligned with our mission and conducted with integrity, independence, and respect for the rights of children and parents.

1. Ethical Partnerships

Parents International enters into partnerships only when they further our charitable goals and uphold our core values.

1.1 Alignment with Mission

We collaborate exclusively with organizations, institutions, and individuals whose activities are substantially aligned with our mission to support parents and protect the rights and well-being of children and families.

1.2 Commitment to Fundamental Rights

All partners must demonstrate a clear commitment to:

• The rights of the child, as recognized in international human rights instruments, especially the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
• The rights and responsibilities of parents;
• Freedom of religion or belief;
• Non-discrimination;
• The prohibition of child labour;
• Respect for the autonomy and legal rights of children and parents.

Parents International will not partner with entities whose conduct restricts or undermines the lawful rights of children or parents.

1.3 No Implied General Endorsement

A partnership with Parents International signifies collaboration on a specific project or shared objective. It does not constitute a blanket endorsement of all the partner’s activities, products, services, or public positions.

1.4 Heightened Due Diligence

Particular care shall be taken when considering partnerships with:

• Digital technology and social media companies;
• Food and nutrition companies;
• Other sectors whose products or practices may significantly affect children’s development, health, or family life.

In such cases, Parents International will assess both the opportunities and the potential risks of collaboration, with the best interests of children as the primary consideration.

2. Ethical Standards for Training and Educational Activities

Parents International provides trainings and educational programs as a public benefit rather than a commercial enterprise.

2.1 Affordable, Not-for-Profit Pricing

Training fees, when charged, shall be set at levels intended only to recover costs (including fair trainer wages, decent travel arrangements, and training materials) and sustain program quality. Pricing shall remain affordable and consistent with our charitable purpose.

2.2 Investment in Qualified Trainers

We are committed to recruiting, preparing, and supporting trainers who possess:

• Subject-matter expertise;
• Strong pedagogical/andragogical skills;
• Experience in the target environment (e.g. school teaching)
• Multicultural competence and openness;
• Commitment to the ethical principles of Parents International.

2.3 Cultural Sensitivity

Training materials and delivery methods shall respect the cultural, religious, and social contexts of participants while remaining grounded in universal human rights principles.

2.4 Non-Judgmental Approach

All trainings shall be conducted in a respectful, non-judgmental manner that recognizes the diversity of parenting experiences and family circumstances.

2.5 State-of-the-Art Content

Training content shall reflect the best available evidence, current scientific knowledge, and established good practice.

3. Ethical Advocacy

Parents International advocates independently and in the best interests of children and families.

3.1 Independence from Funding Influence

We will not accept public funding, grants, or other support if the terms compromise our independence, limit our ability to speak freely, constrain our policy positions, or oblige us to endorse the position of the funder.

3.2 Evidence-Based Positions

Our advocacy shall be based primarily on rigorous evidence, high-quality research, and established principles of child and family well-being.

3.3 Research over Preference

While we listen carefully to the views and priorities of our members, our public positions will be guided by evidence rather than by popularity or member preference alone.

4. Ethical Research

Parents International conducts and endorses research to advance understanding and improve outcomes for children and families.

4.1 Adherence to ERIC Principles

All research undertaken by Parents International shall rigorously follow international and Dutch ethical principles and standards. Research involving minors shall always follow the Ethical Research Involving Children (ERIC) principles, including requirements relating to scientific integrity, participant volunteering and welfare, transparency, and responsible dissemination.

4.2 Endorsement of External Research

Parents International may endorse research conducted by others when:

• The findings are consistent with our mission and values; and
• The research complies with recognised ethical standards and, in case of research involving minors, the ERIC principles.

4.3 Ethics Review for Third-Party Research

When the Ethics Committee of Parents International acts as an independent ethics review board for research conducted by third parties, it shall apply the same ethical standards, principles, and procedures set out in this Code. In particular, the Committee shall assess all proposals in accordance with the ERIC principles and any other relevant internationally recognized research ethics standards, acting impartially, independently, and without regard to any financial or institutional interest in the outcome of the review. Approval by the Ethics Committee signifies only that the research has met the applicable ethical standards and does not constitute endorsement of the sponsor, researchers, or all aspects of their activities beyond the approved study.

4.4 Strategic Research Priorities

Our research efforts shall focus primarily on filling evidence gaps relevant to:

• Our advocacy priorities;
• The development and improvement of training programs;
• Emerging issues affecting parents and children.

4.5 Integrity and Transparency

Research findings shall be reported accurately and transparently, regardless of whether they support pre-existing assumptions or policy positions.

5. Governance and Accountability

5.1 Responsibility

All board members, staff, contractors, trainers, researchers, and volunteers are expected to comply with this Code of Ethics.

5.2 Review

This Code shall be reviewed periodically to reflect evolving evidence, ethical standards, and organizational experience.

5.3 Concerns and Remedies

Concerns about possible violations of this Code shall be addressed promptly, fairly, and confidentially, with appropriate corrective action where necessary.

6. Guiding Principle

In all our activities, Parents International will act in the best interests of children while respecting the rights, responsibilities, and dignity of parents and families.