Our Commitment
The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) is committed to promoting sustainable forest management, strengthening regional cooperation, and upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its activities. As an intergovernmental organization, AFoCO recognizes that the trust of its stakeholders — including Member Countries, partners, donors, and the public — is fundamental to its mission.
By adhering to the organizational policies and regulations, AFoCO aims to foster a culture of ethical conduct, deter prohibited activities, and ensure that its resources are used solely for their intended purposes, in line with its mission and values.
Submitting a Grievance
AFoCO encourages all individuals to report any suspected prohibited acts in good faith through accessible reporting options such as the following channels:
(i) Confidential written report to the Compliance Office or Designated Ethics Officer or Ombudsperson.
(ii) Grievance Report on the official website
AFoCO provides publicly accessible avenues for anonymous reporting and maintains measures to protect the confidentiality, identity and privacy of all parties involved, including whistleblowers, witnesses, and subjects of the report. AFoCO further promotes early intervention and provides mechanisms for receiving and addressing informal reports related to suspected Prohibited Acts.
Whistleblower Policy
In accordance with the Staff Regulations adopted by the Assembly, AFoCO maintains the whistleblower policy. AFoCO is committed to safeguarding individuals who report concerns in good faith, ensuring they are protected from any form of retaliation.
The anonymous reporting channel is available through the “Submit Grievance” function on this website. Suspected misconduct, prohibited practices, or wrongdoing may be securely submitted through this channel.
Procedures Addressing Grievance Report
The grievance report can raise issues related to any of AFoCO’s policies and procedures including those related to ethics and conflicts of interest, anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism, information disclosure, environmental and social safeguard, gender, and prohibited acts.
The Grievance Reports is not pursued in case the report is not supported by adequate factual details or the report reveals that it is unfounded and made with malicious intent.
Report Case
- Individuals, in good faith, may report suspected prohibited acts and other grievance. It is advised to fill out and upload the Reporting Form for Suspected Prohibited Acts for suspected prohibited acts or wrongdoings.
Initial Review
- The initial review will assess whether there is sufficient basis to proceed. The Secretariat may request additional information from the complainant.
- The reports on suspected prohibited acts or grievance reports are not pursued in case the report is not supported by adequate factual details or the report reveals that it is unfounded and made with malicious intent.
Investigation
- AFoCO shall establish an independent investigation function with functional independence from the management. The investigation may include document review and interviews. For matters relating to disciplinary measures of the Staff Member, the Joint Disciplinary Committee under the Staff Regulations will serve as this independent body.
Reporting
- The head of the investigation function will report functionally to the Ethics and Audit Committee of the Assembly and administratively to the Executive Director. The report will include recommendations for consideration and decision.
Decision
- The Ethics and Audit Committee of the Assembly will consider the report and make a decision.
Remediation and Redress
- AFoCO will implement corrective measures and provide remedies to resolve suspected prohibited acts or other grievance, including disciplinary measures according to the Staff Regulations or reporting to relevant national authorities in case of credible signs of criminal conduct.