Humanitarian Approach
The right to a dignified life and self-reliance takes precedence over politics and principles. IESDEV insists on the right of the vulnerable to receive humanitarian aid and on our right and duty to provide such aid, whenever possible, regardless of political circumstance. This means that our advocacy will sometimes be subordinate to our duty to help save lives, and that we will always provide assistance, regardless of whether such an effort could be interpreted politically. Moreover, in all of our interactions we insist on the dignity and autonomous right of the individual to use their abilities in shaping their lives as they see fit.
Respect
Our credence in the equal rights of all human beings. IESDEV takes a rights-based approach to its work. We work to ensure that all vulnerable persons can enjoy the rights, protections, and opportunities guaranteed to them in applicable conventions and laws, and seek to combat discrimination in all forms. In Cameroon and elsewhere, we work to ensure that authorities can fully adhere to their responsibilities towards people in distress, and we assist until these authorities are able to manage their responsibilities independently.
Inclusion
IESDEV wishes to carry out its initiatives in a climate of respect and collaboration with the people we are trying to help, thereby ensuring that they are empowered by the interaction. This means that we ask beneficiaries for their consensual participation in the planning and implementation of interventions, as well as their perspectives in assessing the outcomes. Our collaborations with people in distress ultimately seek to utilize and strengthen their ability to cope without assistance in the future.
Independence and Neutrality
IESDEV works exclusively on the basis of its mandate towards the vulnerable. IESDEV focuses on issues concerning vulnerable and displaced persons, remaining strictly neutral in their work. This also means that in conflict settings our humanitarian work is predicated on the principle of independence and neutrality in regard to the conflicting parties.
Honesty and Transparency
IESDEV is accountable to the communities and people we help, those that support us, and those with whom we collaborate. This means that we are honest and open about what we do and about the choices we make, and if a situation may exceed our ability to provide help. We strive for successful and responsible joint efforts with all beneficiaries, donors, partners and others