Code of Ethics

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Article One. – The Board of Directors, Executive Management, employees, and volunteers of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall conduct themselves in strict accordance with the ethical principles and institutional values established in this Code.

Likewise, they shall observe applicable customs and traditions, provided these are compatible with respect for Human Rights and the principles of interculturality.

Article Two. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) and each of its members shall conduct themselves in accordance with the principles of integrity, transparency, respect for human dignity, social responsibility, equality and non-discrimination, cooperation, commitment to the Association’s social mission, and strict compliance with the rule of law.

Article Three. – Members, Board Directors, employees, and volunteers of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall perform their duties, in every area of their work, with dignity and commitment.

Article Four. – The Board of Directors, Executive Management, employees, and volunteers of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall be subject to the provisions of this Code and shall comply with and uphold the standards of conduct contained herein.

VALUES

Article Five. – This Code establishes respect for Human Rights, human dignity, respect for life and its constant appreciation, non-discrimination, and respect for the freedom of others as its fundamental principles and values.

Article Six. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) maintains an ongoing commitment to social welfare and Love for Mexico through the implementation of charitable activities aimed at individuals, sectors, and regions experiencing high and very high levels of social marginalization.

Through its health and education programs, the Association seeks to expand its reach to communities throughout the country, providing humanitarian assistance based on the principles of social responsibility, inclusion, and comprehensive development.

Article Seven. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) reaffirms its commitment to the value of Self-Education, recognizing the importance of promoting knowledge and reading as essential tools for building a stronger and better Mexico.

Article Eight. – For Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA), self-esteem is a fundamental value. Therefore, every member of the Association receives the necessary training to serve and understand every person requesting assistance without harming or undermining their self-esteem.

Article Nine. – Honesty, ethics, and integrity shall be the guiding values of the Association. Every member shall demonstrate a responsible, honorable, and honest attitude toward themselves and others.

Article Ten. – Zero Tolerance for Bribery: At Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA), it is strictly prohibited to offer, promise, request, accept, or authorize any form of bribery, whether in the public or private sector, directly or indirectly. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, gifts, commissions, favors, sums of money, gratuities, benefits, or any other incentive intended to influence a decision or obtain preferential treatment.

Article Eleven. – During activities carried out in communities, the following standards of conduct shall be observed:

Employees and volunteers shall perform their duties with respect, impartiality, and in accordance with the ethical principles and values of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) at all times.
Employees and volunteers are strictly prohibited from accepting money, gifts, or any type of favor from beneficiaries.

III. All medical care shall be provided completely free of charge, without any condition, reward, compensation, or consideration of any kind.

Article Twelve. – The Association reaffirms its commitment to the unrestricted respect for Human Rights, as well as to the ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender diversity of all people.

This commitment also includes respect for and recognition of the customs, traditions, and cultural practices of the Indigenous communities in which the Association carries out its activities, provided they are consistent with Human Rights and the applicable legal framework.

Article Thirteen. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall act with impartiality, and all its actions shall be governed by the principle of equality, without discrimination of any kind.

Article Fourteen. – Members of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions or omissions, accepting accountability for any conduct that may cause harm to others and making every reasonable effort to remedy such harm.

Article Fifteen. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) is committed to maintaining objectivity in decision-making and to preventing conflicts of interest.

Article Sixteen. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall conduct all of its activities in accordance with the laws of the State and its institutions, contributing to the proper development of society.

TRANSPARENCY

Article Seventeen. – In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, access to the Association’s information shall be guaranteed, subject only to the limitations imposed by the public interest and the right to personal privacy.

Article Eighteen. – Transparency in the Management of Donations and Assistance. All resources received as donations shall be used exclusively for the social and charitable purposes established by the Association. It is expressly prohibited to condition, manipulate, or use the delivery of assistance, support, medicines, or services for personal, political, economic, or ideological purposes.

Article Nineteen. – Any person may report, anonymously or otherwise, any conduct that violates the provisions of this Code of Ethics through the reporting channels established by the Association.

The Association is committed to protecting individuals who submit reports from any form of retaliation and to ensuring that all allegations are investigated objectively, confidentially, and impartially.

CONDUCT

Article Twenty. – Any person collaborating with the Association shall refrain from participating in decisions or activities where a conflict of interest may arise. A conflict of interest shall be understood as any situation in which personal, family, or financial interests may compromise, or appear to compromise, the impartial and responsible performance of their duties to the Association.

Article Twenty-One. – All members of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall carry out any position, assignment, or responsibility entrusted to them by the Association with the dedication, diligence, and commitment required to fulfill the assigned duties.

Article Twenty-Two. – Dignified Treatment, Professionalism, and Inclusion: Employees and volunteers of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall act with respect, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and inclusion at all times.

Particular attention shall be given to persons in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, children, adolescents, and older adults.

Likewise, any form of discrimination, humiliation, exclusion, or rejection shall be avoided, recognizing that every person deserves to be treated with full respect for their inherent dignity.

Article Twenty-Three. – Every member of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) whose responsibilities involve direct interaction with beneficiaries shall act with diligence, sensitivity, professionalism, and sound judgment, while strictly adhering to the principles of honesty and responsibility.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Article Twenty-Four. – It shall be the responsibility of all members to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal and sensitive information relating to beneficiaries, donors, employees, volunteers, and collaborators.

Such information shall be processed solely for the legitimate purposes of the Association and in strict compliance with the applicable laws and regulations governing the protection of personal data.

Article Twenty-Five. – Every member of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding the nature and circumstances of any matters learned through their relationship with the public or through the flow of information within the Association, in accordance with applicable law.

Article Twenty-Six. – Employees of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall maintain the confidentiality of all information to which they have access, regardless of their position or responsibilities within the Association.

Article Twenty-Seven. – Documents, files, records, and any copies thereof shall be securely stored within the Association and protected against unauthorized access.

Article Twenty-Eight. – Employees of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall refrain from making unnecessary digital or physical copies of files or information belonging to the Association.

Article Twenty-Nine. – Employees shall refrain from reading messages, emails, correspondence, or official communications intended for other individuals, except where strictly required for legitimate work-related purposes.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INSTITUTIONS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Article Thirty. – Personnel of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall always maintain full autonomy and independence while fostering direct, respectful, and transparent communication with public authorities, government agencies, institutions, and service providers, within the scope of their respective responsibilities and competencies.

Article Thirty-One. – Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall consistently promote relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation with public authorities in order to maintain an appropriate balance between institutional autonomy and accountability.

Article Thirty-Two. – Organizations, agencies, and entities associated with Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA), as well as their personnel, shall promote conduct based on mutual respect and collaboration, particularly in the context of advisory, guidance, or professional services provided to or contracted by the Association.

Such conduct shall reflect and strengthen the Association’s commitment, integrity, and institutional leadership.

Article Thirty-Three. – Employees of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall neither obstruct nor criticize the legitimate right of individuals and institutions to express criticism or diverse opinions.

MATERIAL, FINANCIAL, TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES, AND THE WORKPLACE

Article Thirty-Four. – The Association’s material, financial, and technological resources shall be used exclusively to achieve the institutional objectives of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA), in accordance with the principles of legality, efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Article Thirty-Five. – Employees of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) are responsible for preserving and protecting the Association’s assets and for making appropriate use of any resources assigned to them in the performance of their duties, avoiding any form of misuse, waste, or negligence.

Article Thirty-Six. – All members of the workforce of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall perform their duties with integrity, honesty, and responsibility, demonstrating a clear commitment to the proper management and responsible use of the material, financial, and technological resources entrusted to their care.

ACCEPTANCE AND DISSEMINATION OF THE CODE

Article Thirty-Seven. – This Code of Ethics shall be made available through the Association’s website at https://ubga.org.mx/ and may be consulted at any time.

All members of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) shall acknowledge, through the means designated by the Association, that they have read and understood the contents of this Code of Ethics.

SANCTIONS

Article Thirty-Eight. – Any member of Un Buen Grupo de Amigos, A.C. (UBGA) who engages in conduct that violates the provisions of this Code of Ethics or the Association’s institutional principles shall be subject to disciplinary action, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Disciplinary measures may include a verbal warning, a written memorandum, an administrative report, suspension of duties, or, where appropriate, termination of the employment or contractual relationship, without prejudice to any civil, administrative, or criminal actions that may apply, as well as the obligation to report the facts to the competent authorities whenever required by law.

REFERENCES

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
Law of the Human Rights Commission of the State of Puebla
Law of the Anti-Corruption System of the State of Puebla
United Nations Convention against Corruption