New IPOA Code of Conduct for Private Contractors Ratified

March 5, 2009

WASHINGTON , March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IPOA is pleased to announce that the 12th version of its Code of Conduct was ratified by its 53 member companies and is now in effect.

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IPOA is the premier industry association for companies operating in conflict, post-conflict and disaster relief environments. Member companies provide vital services in support of the international community in Afghanistan , Darfur , Haiti , Iraq and other critical global efforts.

The Code of Conduct is central to membership of IPOA. The international companies that form IPOA pledge to uphold the standards and ethics of the Code of Conduct and accede to review by the IPOA Standards Committee. This vehicle of corporate responsibility and industry self-oversight ensures that IPOA member companies are recognized internationally for their commitment to standards and ethics.

The IPOA Code of Conduct was created in 2001 to provide a set of guidelines outlining the standards of ethics and accountability the international community should demand of companies within the peace and stability operations industry. The Code of Conduct addresses such issues as human rights, labor, transparency, rules for the use of force and ethical subcontracting. Version 12 is a result of the generous input of numerous stakeholders including private companies, human rights specialists, non-governmental organizations, government officials, military and academics.

The Code of Conduct is public and now available in English, French and Spanish - with more languages to follow - at www.ipoaonline.org/code.

About IPOA

The International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) is a trade association whose mission is to promote high operational and ethical standards of firms active in the Peace and Stability Industry; to engage in a constructive dialogue with policy-makers about the growing and positive contribution of these firms to the enhancement of international peace, development, and human security; and to inform the concerned public about the activities and role of the industry. IPOA is committed to raising the standards of the peace and stability operations industry to ensure sound and ethical professionalism and transparency in the conduct of peacekeeping, post-conflict reconstruction & disaster relief activities

Contact: Doug Brooks President International Peace Operations Association [email protected] +1.202.464.0721 www.IPOAonline.org

SOURCE International Peace Operations Association

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