Anti-Harassment Policy

Appendix to the Statutes I

I.  The University of Zurich Model United Nations Team is dedicated to creating a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic or feature.

i. Harassment of any type will not be tolerated and will be dealt with promptly and effectively. This policy outlines what constitutes harassment, the steps that members and guests should take if they experience or witness harassment, and the consequences for those who engage in harassing behavior.

ii. Any form of bullying will not be tolerated and will be dealt with promptly and effectively. This policy outlines what constitutes bullying, the steps that members and guests should take if they experience or witness bullying, and the consequences for those who engage in bullying behavior.

iii. Any form of non-consensual drug or alcohol use will not be tolerated. Drink spiking, the act of putting drugs or alcohol into someone’s drink or body without their consent, is illegal and dangerous. This policy outlines the association’s stance on spiking and the measures that will be taken to prevent and respond to incidents.

II. Definition of Harassment

Harassment is here defined as any unwanted physical or verbal conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This may include, but is not limited to:

i. Sexual harassment, which may include unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

ii. Racial harassment, which may include derogatory remarks or slurs based on race, color, or national origin.

iii. Religious harassment, which may include derogatory remarks or slurs based on religious beliefs or practices.

iv. Disability harassment, which may include derogatory remarks or slurs based on disability.

v. Gender harassment, which may include derogatory remarks or slurs based on gender.

vi. Sexual orientation harassment, which may include derogatory remarks or slurs based on sexual orientation.

vii. Other forms of harassment based on any other protected characteristic or feature.

III. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is a particular form of personal harassment and may be characterized as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior, as abuse or misuse of power, position or knowledge through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient. It may be by an individual against an individual or involve groups of people. It may be obvious, or it may be subtle. Bullying can result from a misuse of individual power derived from perceived superior status/position, physical strength, or force of personality. It can also arise from the collective power that arises out of strength of numbers. This may include, but is not limited to:

i. Threats

ii. Abuse

iii. Public humiliation

iv. Ridicule

v. Repeated shouting or swearing at an individual

vi. Undermining an individual

vii. Intimidating behavior

IV. Definition of Spiking

Spiking is the illegal act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink or body without their consent. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to incapacitate the individual, to control their behavior, or to exploit them. Spiking can result in serious physical and psychological harm. UZH MUN maintains an absolute zero tolerance policy to any form of drink spiking or other non-consensual drug or alcohol use. This includes, but is not limited to:

i. Adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink or body without their consent.

ii. Knowingly serving or providing drugs or alcohol to someone who is already under the influence.

iii. Participating in any other form of non-consensual drug or alcohol use.

iv. Any form of non-consensual drug or alcohol use will not be tolerated. Drink spiking, the act of putting drugs or alcohol into someone’s drink or body without their consent, is illegal and dangerous. This policy outlines the association’s stance on spiking and the measures that will be taken to prevent and respond to incidents.

v. Alcohol consumption or use of other intoxicating substances is neither an excuse nor an invitation for harassment.

VI.  Prevention of Incidents

i. UZH MUN will take the following measures to prevent incidents of harassment, bullying and spiking:

ii. Providing education and awareness on the dangers and consequences of harassment, bullying and/or spiking to all members and guests.

iii. Encouraging individuals who attend association events or association related events to keep an eye on their own drinks and to never leave them unattended.

iv. Encouraging individuals to report any suspicious behavior or incidents to the designated safe persons and/or board members.

VII. Reporting Incidents

If any member or guest feels they are being harassed, bullied or have been spiked or witnessed such activities, they are encouraged to report potential incidents which will be handled seriously by the members of MUN Board. Reports may be given either personally or anonymously.

i. Victims or witnesses can make a report in person by contacting a board member. They can be contacted either through their respective email addresses which can be found on the website, or via phone. Phone numbers can be found in the MUN group chat, they will be labelled as “admins”. If on a conference trip, designated safe persons can also be approached. When taking a personal report we will ensure that your safety and confidentiality. Members of the board are well versed in the Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying policy and will handle every situation with respect and professionalism. We or the designated safe person will be happy to help you contact local law enforcement or otherwise assist you to feel safe.

ii. Anonymous reports can be made through the form linked below. We cannot follow up an anonymous report with you directly, but we will fully investigate it and take whatever action is necessary to prevent a recurrence. The anonymous report will be directed the President of the association and Chief Head delegate of our association.

iii. The privacy of all parties involved in a harassment, bullying and/or spiking report will be protected to the greatest extent possible. Information about the report and the investigation will be shared only with those on a need-to-know basis in order to resolve the matter. All reports of harassment, bullying and/or spiking will be investigated fully, promptly, and confidentially.

VIII. Consequences

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, we retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming and safe environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or making use of § 9 and § 10 of the MUN Statutes to expel a member from the organisation with no refund.

X. Conclusion

The University of Zurich Model United Nations Team is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals. This policy is designed to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity, respect and equality and that harassment, bullying and/or any form of non-consensual drug or alcohol use, including spiking, is absolutely not tolerated. Individuals who violate this policy will face consequences for their prohibited behavior, and those who experience or witness harassment, bullying and/or spiking are strongly encouraged to report it immediately to a designated safe person or board member.