Code of Ethics for International Academic Activities

It establishes the principles, rules, and procedures governing the organization, development, and participation in international academic events promoted or sponsored by the International Society for Labor and Social Security Law.

2025

 

Preamble

This Code of Ethics aims to establish the principles, norms, and procedures that govern the organization, development, and participation in all international academic activities promoted or sponsored by the International Society for Labor and Social Security Law (ISLSSL).
This instrument reflects the collective commitment of the ISLSSL and its members to creating a respectful, inclusive, transparent, and professional academic environment, in which dialogue prevails free from discrimination, violence, or practices contrary to intellectual integrity.
Adherence to this Code shall be mandatory for all persons involved in the activity, and compliance shall be monitored by the Ethics Committee, as the body competent to ensure its observance and to resolve complaints regarding alleged ethical breaches.

 

Chapter I. Scope of Application

Article 1. Effect

This Code shall apply from the beginning of the preparatory activities of the academic event, including the call for applications, selection of participants, and logistical organization, until the completion of all official activities, including subsequent publications and institutional communications derived therefrom.

It will also apply to other activities developed or sponsored by the ISLLSS, such as its social networks.

Article 2. Scope

The provisions of this Code shall apply to:

1. On site and virtual sessions, such as conferences, panels, workshops, and roundtables.
2. Interactions on digital platforms associated with the event, including social media, academic forums, and institutional emails.
3. Social activities organized by the event committee that are part of the official program.
4. Publications resulting from the event, such as proceedings, records, articles, and other academic outputs.

Article 3. Express Acceptance

Acceptance of the Code of Ethics shall be formalized through a written or digital declaration, included in the registration form, whereby the participant confirms having read, understood, and accepted all its provisions.

In case of refusal or failure to comply with this requirement, the Organizing Committee may deny registration or revoke participation.

 

Chapter II. Guiding Principles

Article 4. Fundamental Ethical Principles

All persons subject to this Code shall conduct themselves in accordance with the following principles:

1. Respect:Recognition of dignity and cultural, legal, and academic diversity.
2. Integrity:Commitment to truthfulness and intellectual honesty; rejection of plagiarism, falsification, or data manipulation.
3. Inclusion:Equal participation, free from discrimination based on gender, origin, ideology, disability, or other conditions.
4. Transparency:Clarity in organizational processes and decisions, as well as in academic evaluations.
5. Academic Responsibility:Punctuality, rigorous preparation, and willingness for constructive dialogue.
6. Pluralism and Academic Freedom:Respect for the diversity of approaches and doctrinal perspectives.
7. Collaboration and International Solidarity:Recognition of structural inequalities and commitment to equitable knowledge exchange.
8. Data Protection and Confidentiality:Respect for privacy and applicable personal data regulations.

 

Chapter III. Duties of Participants and Organizers

Article 5. Duties of Participants

Participants must:

1. Maintain respectful, professional, and collaborative conduct.
2. Properly acknowledge intellectual sources used.
3. Refrain from making offensive, discriminatory, or exclusionary comments.
4. Respect the times and rules established by the organization.
5. Use technological resources responsibly, avoiding interruptions or improper use.

Article 6. Duties of Organizers

The Organizing Committee shall be required to:

1. make every effort to guarantee a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment.
2. Select speakers and participants based on diversity, academic merit, and ethical commitment.
3. Establish clear, confidential, and effective mechanisms for receiving and resolving complaints.
4. Promote equitable participation among regions, genders, and academic backgrounds.

 

Chapter IV. Ethical Breaches and Sanctionable Conduct

Article 7. Breaches against Academic Honesty

Breaches include:

1. Total or partial plagiarism of others’ works, ideas, or expressions.
2. Falsification of data, sources, or academic results.
3. Identity theft at any stage of the event.

Article 8. Breaches against Professional Respect

Breaches include:

1. Offensive or discriminatory expressions.
2. Harassment, in any form.
3. Exclusionary or marginalizing attitudes.

Article 9. Breaches against Institutional Ethics

Breaches include:

1. Concealment of conflicts of interest.
2. Misuse of confidential information.
3. Manipulation of academic processes.

Article 10. Breaches against Academic Coexistence

Breaches include:

1. Repeated interruptions or sabotage of activities.
2. Willful non-compliance with event rules.
3. Inappropriate use of institutional resources.

Article 11. Application of Sanctions

Sanctions shall be applied considering the seriousness of the breach and may include:

1. Verbal or written warning.
2. Temporary or permanent suspension from the event.
3. Disqualification from future academic activities organized or sponsored by the ISLSSL.
4. Notification of the breach to the relevant academic or professional institution.

 

Chapter V. Procedure for Reporting, Investigation, and Case Resolution

Article 12. Filing of Complaints

Any participant in the concerned activity shall be entitled to file complaints for alleged ethical breaches, expressly including those related to acts of discrimination, workplace harassment, or sexual harassment, before the Ethics Committee.

The complaint must be submitted in writing, in clear, precise, and respectful terms, describing the relevant facts in an orderly manner and attaching, when available, the pertinent supporting evidence.

For this purpose, an official and secure channel shall be established for the receipt of complaints, which may consist of an institutional email address, an encrypted digital form, or another equivalent mechanism determined by the Organizing Committee.

Upon receipt of the complaint, the Ethics Committee shall verify its admissibility within a maximum period of five (5) business days, guaranteeing strict confidentiality of the information and ensuring the comprehensive protection of the complainant, witnesses, or collaborators against any form of retaliation.

Article 13. Guiding Principles of the Investigation Process

In every investigation procedure, the Ethics Committee shall observe and guarantee strict compliance with the following principles:

1. Purpose focused on reported conduct:The object of the investigation shall be to clarify the facts under complaint, never to investigate the complainant.
2. Confidentiality:All information obtained during the process shall be treated confidentially, protecting the identity and privacy of those involved, except where disclosure is legally required.
3. Prohibition of retaliation:Any form of retaliation against the complainant, witnesses, or collaborators is prohibited.
4. Informed consent:The investigation may only begin with the informed and voluntary consent of the complainant, unless there are legal or institutional protection obligations that justify initiation without such consent.
5. Emotional protection and non-revictimization:Measures shall be adopted to prevent emotional harm to those involved, reducing unnecessary exposure of facts and allowing accompaniment by a trusted person during the process.
6. Access to information:The complainant shall have the right to know the status of their complaint, submit observations, and receive clear responses within reasonable deadlines.
7. Balance of power dynamics:The Committee shall adopt measures to correct situations of subordination, coercion, or intimidation that may affect the freedom or safety of participants in the investigation.
8. Impartiality and independence:Committee members must recuse themselves from handling a case if a conflict of interest, personal or professional relationship, or any circumstance exists that could affect objectivity.
9. Expedition:The procedure shall be carried out within a reasonable timeframe, avoiding unjustified delays that hinder timely resolution.

Article 14. Development of the Investigation Process

The Ethics Committee shall prepare a roadmap precisely defining the stages, responsibilities, and estimated timelines of the investigation.

During the process, all relevant evidence shall be collected, including testimonies, documents, and any other material contributing to the clarification of the reported facts.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Committee may recommend:

1. Closing the case due to lack of responsibility.
2. Implementing training, support, or institutional review measures.
3. Applying the sanctions provided in this Code.
4. Referring the case to the competent authorities, where applicable.

Article 15. Right to Appeal

The reported person may appeal the outcome if they consider that the established principles were not respected. The appeal shall be reviewed by the higher authority defined by the organization, which may uphold, modify, or request an external investigation.

 

Chapter VI. Ethics Committee

Article 16. Nature and Functions

The Ethics Committee is an autonomous, impartial, and collegiate body responsible for: receiving complaints of ethical breaches, investigating them, and issuing resolutions, as well as promoting good ethical practices before, during, and after the activity.

Article 17. Composition

The Committee shall be composed of three (3) to five (5) members of recognized moral and academic standing, appointed by the organizing entity of the activity, with alternates designated for cases of recusal or conflict of interest.

Efforts shall be made to ensure gender balance, institutional diversity, and international representation.

Article 18. Term of Office

The Committee shall exercise its functions during the examination of the complaint and until the final resolution of initiated cases, with members eligible for reappointment.

Article 19. Sessions and Quorum

The Committee may meet either in person or virtually. The quorum shall consist of three members. Decisions shall be adopted by simple majority and must be duly reasoned.

 

Chapter VII. Final Provisions

Article 20. Entry into Force

This Code shall enter into force upon its approval by the International Society for Labor and Social Security Law (ISLSSL).

Article 21. Review and Updating

This Code may be periodically reviewed by the ISLSSL Executive Committee. Approved amendments shall be officially communicated to all members and to the international legal community through the institutional website.

Article 22. Institutional Commitment

Observance of this Code reflects the collective will to build and maintain academic spaces founded on respect, justice, and dignity in the study and defense of Labor Law.