Safeguarding commitment
AidWorkers should take safeguarding seriously in every part of its work. Supporting urgent action must never become an excuse for careless behaviour, unsafe relationships, poor judgement or avoidable risk to vulnerable people.
Safeguarding is not only about children. It can also involve adults at risk, displaced people, survivors of violence, people dependent on aid, people facing exploitation and communities with limited power or protection.
Safeguarding principles
Do no harm
Humanitarian support should not expose people to avoidable danger, exploitation, humiliation or retaliation.
Listen carefully
Concerns should be taken seriously, recorded appropriately and acted on with urgency and discretion.
Use trusted routes
Support should be delivered through people and routes that are reasonably checked, accountable and suitable.
Protect information
Sensitive safeguarding information should be shared only where necessary and handled with care.
Safeguarding and direct support
Direct support can be powerful, but it must be handled responsibly. Where funds, supplies or assistance are provided through individuals on the ground, AidWorkers should consider who controls the support, who benefits, whether there are risks of coercion or exploitation, and whether vulnerable people are being protected.
A fuller safeguarding policy should be developed and adopted as AidWorkers formalises its operations, expands activity and works with more people, responders or partners.