Protection of children and young people
Child and youth protection guidelines of africa aid project e.V. (aap)
Introduction
aap is committed to realising the rights of children and young people worldwide in order to protect them from violence, neglect and exploitation. With our approach to child- and youth-centred community development, we place the best interests of children and young people at the centre of our work in accordance with Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Children and young people can be particularly vulnerable due to their age, gender, ethnic background, physical abilities and limitations as well as their sexual orientation. As a humanitarian organisation, we take our responsibility to protect children and young people very seriously. For us, their protection is both a prerequisite for the realisation of their rights and the goal of our work. Institutional child protection, also known as child safeguarding, is therefore of central importance in all areas of our work.
This policy on the protection of children and young people is a quality feature of our work and is of particular importance for all groups of people and organisations with whom we work.
The aim of the policy is to protect children and young people from danger and any form of violence, neglect and exploitation that may arise through our work.
The policy therefore serves to:
- that all those who work with and for us create a situation for children and young people that promotes their well-being
- that all those who work with and for us take responsibility for protecting children and young people from violence, neglect and exploitation
- Establish processes/procedures to deal with behaviour that endangers the welfare of children and young people or puts them at risk of experiencing violence, neglect or exploitation
- Educate children and young people we work with about our responsibility to protect them from violence, neglect and exploitation
- Educate children and young people we work with about how to report behaviour that is contrary to the policy
Scope of application
The Child and Youth Protection Policy applies to all members of africa aid project e.V. as well as all groups of people who come into contact with children and young people through our organisation or have access to them and their data and work with us in joint projects.
This includes committee members, partner NGOs, supporters and project visitors.
Even if young people reach the age of majority at 18, their special need for protection does not end there. Our Child and Youth Protection Policy therefore also includes young people up to the age of 24. Our Child and Youth Protection Policy applies to children and young people of all genders up to and including the age of 24. However, aap recognises that girls and young women are particularly vulnerable and at a higher risk of becoming victims of violence, especially sexualised and gender-based violence. Violence against girls and women not only violates the values and principles of our Child and Youth Protection Policy, but also our goals in general. It is therefore particularly important to us that we protect girls and young women who take part in our projects, events and activities from violence, including abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Declaration of principles
We are fully committed to the gender-sensitive protection of children and young people from all forms of violence. It is our responsibility and duty that we as an organisation, as well as all people and organisations working with us, for us and on our behalf, do not harm, abuse or use other forms of violence against children and young people or expose them to any form of violence. We promote approaches, measures and (age-appropriate) environments that are geared towards the specific safety requirements of children and young people and take their diverse identities into account. We do not tolerate unequal treatment, discrimination or marginalisation and actively campaign against them. We ensure that everyone who works for us, with us or supports us understands their safeguarding role and can take responsibility for it. In line with our working approach, we support the active participation of children and young people in their own protection. We keep those who pose a risk to children and young people away from us and take strong action against anyone who perpetrates violence against children or young people who fall within the scope of this policy.
Responsibilities and duties under the Child and Youth Protection Policy
All persons committed to the Child and Youth Protection Policy:
- contribute to an environment in which children and young people feel respected, supported and safe
- never act violently towards children and young people or behave in a way that puts children and young people at increased risk of experiencing violence
- undertake to respect and comply with this Child and Youth Protection Policy and to report any violations to the responsible body within the organisation
for members of aap
- All members of aap undertake to report violations to the responsible office in the organisation in accordance with the procedure described here. Members are also responsible for actively implementing the standards of the Child and Youth Protection Policy relevant to their work. They are expected to independently familiarise themselves with the content of the Child and Youth Protection Policy and standards. In consultation with the Executive Board, members can attend workshops and/or training courses relevant to their field of work.
For committee members, supporters and project visitors
- All committee members, supporters and project visitors undertake to respect the Child and Youth Protection Policy and the principles and rules of conduct set out therein and thus to ensure appropriate behaviour towards children and young people.
For partner organisations
- Partner organisations that work with us are informed about our Child and Youth Protection Policy. Those of them that have direct contact with children and young people and/or their data or work on joint projects in which children or young people are part of the target group sign the Child and Youth Protection Policy with the cooperation agreement.
Behavioural guidelines for dealing with children and young people
I agree that as part of my membership or volunteer work with africa aid project e.V.:
1. abide by this Child and Youth Protection Policy and be open and honest in my dealings with children and young people, their families and communities participating in aap programmes, projects, processes, events and activities.
2. respect all applicable international and national rights of children and young people.
3. treat children and young people in a manner that respects their rights, integrity and dignity and considers their best interests, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, origin, colour, language, religious or political beliefs, marital status, disability, physical or mental health, family, socio-economic status, class, cultural background or history of conflict with the law.
4. create and maintain an environment that prevents all forms of violence, neglect or exploitation of children and young people. I ensure that I am aware of potential risks in relation to my behaviour and work and take appropriate action to minimise risks to children and young people.
5. help to create an environment where children and young people with whom we are in contact are respected and empowered to make decisions and take action to safeguard them according to their age, maturity and developing abilities and are informed about their safeguarding rights and what to do if they are at risk.
6. I am aware of the power imbalance between myself and the children, young people or communities with whom we work due to age, gender, skin colour, status, origin, wealth or other criteria and do not exploit this.
7. I respect the children's caregivers and their responsibility to protect their children, even if their behaviour differs from my beliefs and personal beliefs (not if it endangers the protection of the child!).
8. should I take photos of children and young people associated with aap during a project trip or a visit to local projects in Germany or a project country, ensure the following:
a. have always asked a responsible aap employee whether it is okay to take photos here
b. have asked the child/young person and their carer if it is okay if I take a photo of them, explain the purpose and use of the photo (how and where) and respect their decision to say "no" and that this will not have any negative consequences
c. that the images are respectful and do not have a negative impact on the dignity and/or privacy of the children/young people
d. that the use of the images will not put the child/young person at risk of being identified or located
e. never upload images of children or young people associated with aap to social media or websites not maintained by aap without the full and explicit consent of aap.
9. respond appropriately to child and youth protection concerns, suspicions, incidents or allegations of actual or potential violence, neglect or exploitation of a child/young person and report them to the relevant body within the organisation.
10. co-operate fully and confidentially with the appropriate persons in all investigations by aap into child protection concerns or allegations.
11. immediately disclose to my employer any charges, convictions and other consequences of a criminal offence that have occurred before or during association with aap and relate to violence, neglect, exploitation or abuse of a child or young person.
I will not do the following:
1. abuse or exploit a child or young person so that she:he is potentially harmed. This includes harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage or child marriage.
2. engaging in any form of sexual activity with, or having a physical/sexual relationship with, a person under the age of 18.
Misconception about the age of the person is not an excuse.
3. engaging in a sexual relationship with young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are participants in aap's projects
and activities. This undermines the credibility and integrity of aap's work and is based on fundamentally different power relationships.
4. Involve young people in any form of sexual activity that involves the exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex (including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour).
5. fondling, holding, kissing, hugging or touching a child or young person in an inappropriate or culturally insensitive manner.
6. use corporal punishment/discipline or physical violence of any kind towards children and young people. This includes the threat of physical violence.
7. allow a child or young person with whom I am in contact in an aap-related context to stay overnight at my home or other private residence or place of residence.
8. sleep in the same room or bed as a child or young person with whom I am in contact in an aap-related context.
9. do things of a personal/intimate nature with a child or young person with whom I am in contact in an aap-related context that the person can do themselves (for example, accompanying them to the bathroom; helping them get dressed/undressed, etc.).
10. spend time alone with children or young people with whom I am in contact in an aap-related context. I will always ensure that another adult is present or that we are in a public place where others are around us and we are clearly visible to others ("4-eyes principle").
11. ask for private contact details of a child or their family (email, phone number, address, Skype/Zoom or other forms of online video calling services or social media accounts) or use them to communicate with them privately if they are available. I will never give out my own private contact details.
12. discriminate against certain children or young people to the detriment of themselves or others or show deviant, favourable or preferential behaviour towards them.
13. use language towards children or young people that is inappropriate, offensive, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning or culturally inappropriate.
14. shaming, degrading, belittling or humiliating children or young people. I also do not tolerate other types of emotional abuse.
15. develop relationships with children or young people, participate in any practice or engage in any behaviour that may be considered or interpreted as exploitative, harmful or abusive in any way.
16. condone or participate in illegal, unsafe, harmful or exploitative behaviour by children or young people.
Private behaviour outside of work or engagement with us
The above list is not exhaustive. All persons subject to the Child and Youth Protection Policy are required to consider any behaviour that compromises the rights and protection of children and young people.
We do not prescribe the views and values according to which persons who fall within the scope of this Child and Youth Protection Policy organise their private lives. Actions outside of membership that contradict the Child and Youth Protection Policy may be considered a breach of membership obligations. We therefore appeal to our members to ensure that the principles of the Child and Youth Protection Policy are observed not only in the club, but also in their private lives.
Dealing with child/youth protection cases
All persons must report child/youth protection concerns and violations of this policy immediately and confidentially to one of aap's responsible offices:
The Child Protection Officer
The Management Board
We treat every suspected report with the highest priority in accordance with our reporting system. This consists of a standardised process from the reporting of a suspicion, through documentation and processing, to internal or external investigation. If the incident occurred in Germany and concerns children and young people up to the age of 18, the reporting procedure of the Youth Welfare Office also applies. If the suspicion concerns a child in one of our project countries, local guidelines are followed under the direction of the local aap representative or the project partners.
Allegations of violence against, or neglect and exploitation of, children are a serious matter. In accordance with this policy, it is therefore important that absolute confidentiality is maintained. Sharing information that could identify a child/young person, an alleged perpetrator or the informant may harm them. This is done exclusively in accordance with the "need to know" principle. As long as it has not actually been proven that violence, neglect or exploitation has taken place, the term "alleged or suspected violence/neglect/exploitation" is always used.
If an employee expresses legitimate concerns that prove to be unfounded through an investigation process, no action will be taken against the employee. If an employee makes false or malicious accusations against another employee, this person must expect measures under labour law, statutes and/or, if applicable, criminal law.
Suspicious activity reports are stored and disposed of in accordance with national privacy and data protection legislation (GDPR). In addition, internal organisational processes will ensure evaluation and follow-up for the organisation's learning process.
Data protection
Personal data of a child or young person, even if collected as part of a programme with children and young people, is treated confidentially.
aap has clear procedures within the organisation that govern access rights to this data. Personal data includes any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
The privacy and confidentiality of children and young people will be respected at all times. All individuals within the scope of this policy will never share personal contact details (including email address, telephone number, social media accounts, address) with children or families who are or have been associated with our work, unless explicitly authorised by aap.
Glossary
Exploitation = Exploitation of children and young people according to German law includes labour exploitation, exploitation for the commission of criminal offences (e.g. drug trafficking), commercial sexual exploitation, exploitation for forced begging and trafficking, including adoption trafficking, trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage or organ harvesting. Trafficking and exploitation of children and young people is a criminal offence and will be reported immediately by aap.
Committee members = Committee members are members of the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board and the General Assembly.
Violence against children and young people = refers to all forms of physical or psychological (including mental) violence. This also includes cyber-bullying, e.g. on social media. It can be a deliberate action or a failure to act to protect a child or young person from violence. Violence also includes sexual abuse, maltreatment and harassment. Violence includes any intentional or unintentional act or omission on the part of institutions or organisations that harms or is likely to harm the well-being, dignity, survival and development of a child or young person.
Adolescents or young people = This term, as defined by the United Nations, includes young women, young men and young people of other gender identities between the ages of 15 and 24. At this stage of development, there are special protection needs that require special attention in addition to those of young children and adults.
Child = according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 1, a child is any person, regardless of gender identity, who has not reached the age of 18.
Child protection/youth protection = for the purposes of this policy is defined as preventive, organisational or event-related measures taken by aap. They serve to protect children and young people from harm and impairment that they suffer or could suffer as a result of their association with aap, whether due to their participation in aap programmes or contact with aap or its bodies, employees, partners or visitors. Furthermore, according to our definition, child protection/youth protection includes the obligation to take necessary measures if the welfare of a child/youth is at risk. This includes the obligation to report suspicions or concerns within the framework of the relevant guidelines and national regulations and to analyse violations in order to ensure that institutional child protection/youth protection is continuously improved.
Child/youth protection concerns = any evidence that indicates violence (including sexual abuse and harassment), neglect or exploitation. Signs can be physical impairments or abnormalities, changes in behaviour or indications from children themselves that point to violence, neglect and exploitation. Child protection concerns can relate to the present as well as the past. A child protection concern is never too old to be reported.
Child/youth protection case = a child protection concern that has been confirmed.
Child/youth protection in programme work = in contrast to child safeguarding or institutional child/youth protection, in our programme work we protect children and young people from dangers and risks that arise or exist outside our structures. In other words, dangers that exist regardless of whether aap works in the communities or not (e.g. female genital mutilation). In the area of Child Safeguarding, we protect children and young people from dangers and risks that are attributable to our work, i.e. are internal to aap (e.g. risks from the publication of their stories to the outside world).
aap = refers to africa aid project e.V., an independent non-profit organisation for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. africa aid project e.V. is a non-profit organisation that is currently active in 29 African countries with over 150 partner organisations.
Project participants = people who take part in our project activities or receive material or emotional support. Project participants also benefit through the transfer of knowledge or educational measures. These can be individuals or entire families. Project activities can be implemented directly by aap or by a partner organisation.
Project visitors = All people who visit our work in Germany or abroad. Project visitors are always accompanied by an aap team or its project partners. These are, for example, donors, patrons, journalists, media representatives, scientists, politicians, celebrities, etc. who come into contact with children through aap.
Safeguarding = the responsibility to take preventative and reactive action to protect children and young people and to ensure that no child or young person is exposed to any kind of harm as a result of their association with Plan. This includes ensuring that their contact with us and/or associates of ours and their participation in our activities is safe. Where there are concerns about the welfare of a child or young person, or where a child/young person has been and continues to be exposed to violence, neglect or exploitation, action will be taken to analyse incidents to ensure the protection of those affected and to learn from the incidents as an organisation.
Harm = an adverse effect on the physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of a child. It can result from intentional or unintentional abuse or exploitation.
Supporter = Supporters are action group members and donors.
Neglect = when guardians or other carers fail to act in a way that promotes development. This can go so far that the physical or psychological development of a child is severely impaired and/or health damage with a high risk is foreseeable.
The Child and Youth Protection Policy of africa aid project e.V. comes into force on the date of signature.
Date: 01.02.2024
Signed. Carsten Riedel - 2nd Chairman
For the Board of Directors
africa aid project e.V.