Коллегам, FYI

Я получил из Совета Европы интересный документ, пока еще нигде не опубликованный. Впрочем, документ, как я выяснил, не конфиденциальный, поэтому я решил его опубликовать на своем сайте. На мой взгляд, в этом Этическом кодексе нет ничего особенно нового или противоречащего здравому смыслу. И это, по-моему, хорошо. А свести воедино эти вполне разумные правила, по-моему, полезно. Впрочем, если кому-то то или иное положение покажется сомнительным, пишите, подумаем.

Code of Ethics of Interpreters for International Judicial Institutions

Section I. General Purpose

Article 1

The general purpose of this Code is to provide for standards of conduct for interpreters working for international judicial institutions.

Section II. General obligations of interpreters towards the Judicial Institution

Article 2. Confidentiality

1. General information

   1. Interpreters shall exercise the utmost discretion in all matters relating to their functions and should not communicate at any time to any institution, person, governmental and non-governmental organisation, media or other authority external to the judicial institution any information that has not been made public and which has become known to them in the course of their duties.
   2. Interpreters shall not communicate any information that has been entrusted to them in confidence, that has become known to them by reason of their functions, or that they otherwise know to be confidential to any person within the judicial institution other than to those persons who need to have such information for the performance of their duties or with the authorisation of their supervisor.
   3. Recorded intepretation remains the property of the judicial institution at all times and shall not be shown or released by interpreters to third persons without the express permission of their supervisor or by order of the judicial institution.
   4. Interpreters shall not discuss the facts of any case pending before the judicial institution, except as regards matters of a professional nature, with other members of the Interpretation Department.
   5. Interpreters shall not derive any personal profit or advantage from any confidential information that they may have acquired during the performance of their duties.

2. Information sharing

   Where team work is required, and with their supervisor’s permission, it may be necessary for interpreters to brief other interpreters from the team involved in the assignment. In such circumstances, the ethical obligation for confidentiality extends to all members of the team.

3. Continuation of obligations

   The duty of professional secrecy continues after the expiry or termination of the interpreter’s employment with the judicial institution.

Article 3. Impartiality

1. Interpreters are bound to the strictest impartiality in the discharge of their duties.

2. The interpreter shall not allow personal opinions to interfere with his or her duties nor add unsolicited comments or make recommendations except to assist communication.

3. Interpreters shall frankly disclose to their supervisor any actual or apparent conflict.

Section III. Proficiency

Article 4. Competence

1. Level of competence:

   1. Court interpretation shall only be performed by trained, qualified and recognised interpreters.

   2. During the course of an assignment, if it becomes apparent to interpreters that expertise beyond their technical or language competence is required, they shall offer to withdraw from the assignment.

   3. It is the responsibility of interpreters to ensure that the conditions under which they operate facilitate communication. In case an external element – including technical hindrances such as poor sound quality and illegible photocopies – interferes with the accuracy or the completeness of their interpretation, they shall inform their listeners promptly.

2. Preparation:

   Interpreters shall ascertain beforehand what may be expected of them during impending assignments, and undertake the necessary preparations. The judicial institution shall ensure that all the necessary material is made available to interpreters, in a timely manner.

Article 5. Accuracy

1. Interpreters shall convey the message faithfully and completely, and with complete neutrality.

2. If anything is unclear interpreters shall ask for rephrasing or repetition.

3. Interpreters shall promptly acknowledge and rectify any mistake in their interpretation.

Article 6. Accreditation

The interpreter shall only interpret for the language(s) for which he/ she is authorised to interpret by the Interpretation Department of the judicial institution.

Section IV. Professional conduct

Article 6. Standards of conduct

Interpreters shall behave in a courteous, polite and dignified manner at all times.

Article 7. Integrity

1. Interpreters shall not allow any personal or other interest to interfere with the discharge of their duties.

2. Interpreters shall not, in the performance of their duties, solicit or accept any gratuities or other consideration, benefit or advantage of any kind.

3. Interpreters shall not exercise power or influence over their listeners.

4. Interpreters shall maintain their integrity and independence at all times.

Article 8. Reliability

Intepreters shall adhere to appointment times and deadlines, or otherwise advise their supervisor accordingly so that the necessary action may be taken.

Section V. Duties towards the profession

Article 9. Professional development

Interpreters shall continue to develop  their professional knowledge and skills.

1. They shall constantly review and reevaluate their work performance.

2. Interpreters shall maintain and improve their skills and knowledge through activities such as professional training and education, interaction with colleagues and specialisation in related fields.

Article 10. Professional solidarity

Interpreters shall respect and support their fellow professionals.

1. They shall promote and enhance the integrity of the profession through trust and mutual respect.

2. Interpreters shall provide their colleagues, whenever possible, with any specialised knowledge they acquire which may be useful to the exercise of their duties.