Code of Conduct
The SVRI Forum adheres to the highest ethical standards underscored by feminist principles, kindness and empathy, and the ideal of the broader social good. Read more about the SVRI’s core values here.
SVRI Forum encourages debate and open dialogue as key elements of participation, among all conference participants including delegates, funders, speakers and presenters, researchers and scientists, community representatives, leaders and the media. SVRI Forum opposes any disruption of conference sessions or satellite events that results in the inability for dialogue and debate to take place.
General principles
Procedures involving disruptions within sessions and participant driven events,
the exhibition hall and conference centre
Session slide
In session halls, a slide will be available which reads “Please respect the right of the speaker to be heard and of other participants to hear the speaker.” In the event of verbal disruption, the Chair of the session may signal the audio-visual technician to display the slide. The slide may remain displayed until there is calm. If there are further disruptions, the slide may be displayed again.
Application of the law
The conference participants are subject to the laws applicable in the host country. Physical force or threats of physical force or destruction of property by conference participants will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country. In addition, the response may include the escorting of participants from the conference venue.
Access
If a conference participant feels that his or her access has been wrongly withdrawn, the participant will have 24 hours to appeal the decision with the conference organisers. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Access appeal
The conference reserves the right to withdraw the name badge, and therefore, deny access to participants who do not adhere to these principles.
Public statement
In the event that property is destroyed or physical force is used or threatened by a participant, the SVRI Forum may issue a statement concerning the action within the framework of the SVRI Forum Code of Conduct.
Other procedures and measures for supporting participation
The conference will offer or provide other measures to support or facilitate meaningful participation.
Sessions Participation
The conference programme will include conference sessions and activities for various viewpoints to be expressed and for dissenting voices to be heard, as key elements of the SVRI Forum’s commitment to enhanced participation and open dialogue.
Prior Dialogue and Consultation
The SVRI Forum encourages open dialogue among and with participants prior to the conference and prior to any action that is contemplated and that might result in disruption of participation. Relevant SVRI Forum committee members will consult with activist and advocacy organisations, sponsors and local partners, and other participants on measures to increase and facilitate participation.
Networking and Meeting Space
The SVRI Forum will provide spaces in the conference venue to facilitate and support dialogue, discussion, and networking.
SVRI Forum would like to recognise and warmly thank the International AIDS Society (IAS) for the great work in preparing these principles which we have freely taken and adapted for SVRI Forum and to MenEngage who have contributed valuable inputs into the Code of Conduct.