Living ethics every day: the inspiring example of UNICEF’s Office in Comoros

What should you do if a government partner asks for an internship for their child? How should you respond to rumors about a possible case of misconduct? Can a staff member run a small business on the side? How can we ensure, in a small country where everyone knows each other, that recruitment practices truly align with UNICEF’s principles of ethics, fairness, and transparency? And above all, what does it really mean for UNICEF staff to put the Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice every day?

These are a few of the questions UNICEF Comoros tackles every week. To address them, the office has created a dedicated space: the Monday Ethics Discussion.

 On Monday mornings, during the office coordination meeting, after reviewing weekly priorities, the discussions come alive with an ethics debate. It’s a participatory moment where the ethics focal point, or another volunteer, introduces a topic and sparks dialogue and reflection within the team.

This often takes the form of a short scenario ending with an open question: “What are the ethical implications of this situation? How should it be handled?”

Colleagues then share their perspectives, acknowledging the often-nuanced nature of these situations and trying to define the most appropriate course of action for the given scenario.

In a friendly atmosphere, staff members feel free to speak openly. Exchanges are respectful and sometimes sprinkled with laughter, as everyone shares ideas, experiences, and questions without fear.

Haira Aboubacar Said Salim, Programme Assistant, believes these discussions make it easier to address sensitive topics and help create a more open and relaxed professional environment: “These discussions break taboos and give everyone space to speak freely about everyday issues, even things we wouldn’t easily bring up, like feelings, frustrations, etc.”

Adding ethics as a standing item on the weekly coordination meeting agenda reflects a strong commitment made in 2023 following a global staff survey. At that time, the country office pledged to actively promote UNICEF’s core values: care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability.

Since then, the ethics point has become an essential weekly appointment, with staff members introducing discussion topics whenever the ethics focal point is absent.

Said Hachim Mou Ouminou, Education Officer and Ethics Focal Point since February 2025, explains his approach: “I rely first on the documents provided by the global Ethics Office. I also draw inspiration from conversations with colleagues and real-life situations within our office. Finally, some colleagues directly suggest topics for discussion.”

His commitment to an environment based on equality and integrity drives him to amplify less-heard voices and encourage the participation of all staff in ethical matters.

The previous ethics focal point, Attuyat Athoumane, Programme Assistant now retired, played a key role in institutionalizing this weekly discussion. The role also proved beneficial for her personal development: “Being an ethics focal point was both enriching and eye-opening. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of ethical principles and strengthen my ability to handle complex situations with empathy and integrity. My engagement created a ripple effect, inspiring team members to uphold high ethical standards and significantly boosting team cohesion and morale.”

Promoting a shared understanding of ethical behaviour standards creates a more peaceful work environment, with a direct impact on the effectiveness of programs benefiting children in Comoros.

“On several occasions, the Monday ethics discussion has opened a door, allowing colleagues to feel more comfortable and later raise issues they previously didn’t dare discuss with their supervisor or other colleagues”, says Inayatoullah Mohamed, Communication and Youth Engagement Officer.

“At UNICEF Comoros, Ethics Month happens every week”, adds Emmanuelle Collet, Deputy Representative. “Ethics is everyone’s business, and this open, non-judgmental format helps us strengthen our internal culture and define together how to live UNICEF’s core values day by day; thereby reinforcing the impact of our programs.”

With this in mind, UNICEF Comoros is committed to continuing this dynamic in 2026 and beyond, ensuring that our values translate into concrete actions in service of children’s rights.