What should every volunteer be able to expect when taking part in international volunteering?
The newly published Volunteer Rights Framework by CCIVS sets out a clear answer – defining the rights, responsibilities, and conditions needed to ensure volunteering is fair, safe, and meaningful for everyone involved.
As part of the International Voluntary Service movement, volunteering is rooted in solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility. This framework reinforces that volunteering is not about “helping,” but about working together with communities to address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and social injustice.
The document responds to ongoing barriers within the sector, including unequal access, restrictive mobility systems, and structural inequalities that limit participation for many, especially those from underrepresented contexts. It positions these issues not as exceptions, but as systemic challenges that must be addressed.
At its core, the framework introduces eight key principles that define what volunteering should guarantee – from recognition of learning and equitable access to safe participation, environmental responsibility, and youth involvement in decision-making. These principles outline not only the rights of volunteers, but also the responsibilities of organizations, governments, and institutions.
Beyond guidelines, the framework serves as both a practical tool and a political statement. It supports organizations in advocacy, policy dialogue, and partnerships, while pushing for a more inclusive and decolonised approach to international volunteering.
Overall, this publication sets a clear standard for what ethical and equitable volunteering should look like today – and what needs to change to make it accessible for all.