Independent Maẓālim panel active
This criterion assesses whether the organization has established and maintains an active independent panel based on the Islamic Maẓālim tradition to address grievances, particularly those involving power imbalances. It evaluates the organization's commitment to just conflict resolution through a mechanism that provides impartial review of complaints against leadership or the organization itself. The panel interfaces with HR grievances, safeguarding, and whistleblowing frameworks through a documented triage protocol that establishes strict primacy for statutory safeguarding and criminal investigations to prevent interference, while ensuring accountability and redress for those who might otherwise lack voice or power.
- Is there a formally constituted body, consistent with the principles of a Maẓālim panel, for addressing grievances against the organization's leadership?
- How is independence ensured? Specifically, are major donors, founders, and connected persons excluded from the panel?
- Does the complaint process ensure 'Fair Process' rights: written notice, right to be accompanied, opportunity to respond, and a defined appeal route?
- Is there a documented triage protocol that strictly prioritises statutory safeguarding and criminal referrals over panel fact-finding?
- Are accessibility standards defined and met (e.g., non-digital channels, languages, urgent safety routes)?
- Does the panel have a dedicated secretariat and budget to ensure it operates independently of management influence?
- How does the organization report on panel activities transparently while protecting data (e.g., annual transparency statement)?
- Charter or Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Maẓālim panel.
- Panel member list with independence declarations and 'connected person' due diligence checks.
- Published policies including 'Fair Process' standards and Triage Protocol (with stop/go rules).
- Anonymized annual 'Maẓālim Transparency Statement' and case logs.
- Evidence of accessibility: photos of posters, copies of leaflets in multiple languages, screenshots of portal.
- Budget line item for panel secretariat/investigations and role description for secretariat.
- Template outcome letters and Appeal logs demonstrating procedural fairness.
- DPIA, ROPA entry, and retention schedule for case files.
| Level | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5/5 | Comprehensive independent panel with excellent accessibility, procedures, and demonstrated effectiveness in resolving grievances |
| 4 | 4/5 | Active independent panel with appropriate procedures and accessibility |
| 3 | 3/5 | Basic panel with limited independence or effectiveness |
| 2 | 2/5 | Minimal or token panel without meaningful independence |
| 1 | 1/5 | No Maẓālim panel or severe deficiencies in implementation |
Discussion (1)
📋 **Version updated: 1.0.0 → 2.9.7** **Changes:** Updated islamic_references from mizan-297.json
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