The Diplomat
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha González Laya, has established a Code of Ethics to be followed by the employees of her department, which has been sent to all embassies.
In the preamble to the text, to which The Diplomat had access, it states that Ministry employees will be given the opportunity to report to the General Inspectorate of the Foreign Service “any allegedly illegal or improper behaviour, likely to contravene the principles” of the Code, without prejudice to any complaints that may be lodged with other administrative or jurisdictional bodies.
In order to report such actions, a channel will be set up, a specific e-mail address, which will guarantee “the confidentiality of the persons reporting and being reported” and will respect data protection regulations.
The Code places special emphasis, from its first points, on the fact that “any discrimination on grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ideology or convictions, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation, or any other personal or social condition or circumstance will be avoided”.
Specifically, it adds that “policies that guarantee effective gender equality and the rights of LGTBI people and people with disabilities will be promoted”.
The Code also calls for “respectful and professional treatment of citizens” and reminds that “there is zero tolerance for behaviour or attitudes that may imply an abuse of authority in the exercise of office or a serious disregard for other people”. The code warns that “where such acts are proven to have been committed, the necessary administrative measures will be taken”.
The Code includes a point concerning gifts that may be received by Ministry employees, including those posted to Embassies and Consulates. It states that “No gifts or benefits shall be offered, requested or accepted, directly or indirectly”, except in the case of “courtesy gifts of an estimated value of less than 75 euros”. It also states that “when the customs of the country could cause the refusal or return of gifts or benefits to be interpreted as discourtesy, they may be accepted, provided that the person in the position of hierarchical superior is made aware of it”.
