(Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy)
at Bevol International Volunteering Platform (Bevol.org)
Introduction
Combating child sexual abuse and exploitation is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure a safe environment for children. Bevol International Volunteering Platform is committed to all efforts, policies, and procedures aimed at protecting children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, whether occurring directly or online. This issue is of utmost importance worldwide, focusing on prevention, awareness, victim support, and punishing perpetrators.
The platform adopts procedures and policies aligned with UN agreements and regulations to establish a comprehensive protection policy.
Definitions
- Child Sexual Abuse: Any sexual act or behavior directed toward a child, whether directly or through digital means, including harassment, exploitation, rape, or any form of coercive sexual activity.
- Exploitation of Children in Volunteering: Using children in volunteer activities unlawfully, such as trafficking, engaging them in hazardous work, or forcing them to participate in inappropriate activities.
- Cybercrimes Against Children: Any form of child exploitation online, such as cyber harassment, sharing inappropriate content, luring through digital platforms, or using children in pornographic material.
- Child Protection: A comprehensive term describing the policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures aimed at protecting children from intentional and unintentional harm. This applies specifically to organizations’ responsibilities toward children under their care.
Our Belief
Bevol International Volunteering Platform believes that every child and vulnerable adult has the right to live free from abuse and exploitation.
We endorse children’s rights as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and believe that all children deserve protection:
“…from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parents, legal guardians, or any other person responsible for their care.”
We also support the rights of all individuals as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Our Commitment
Bevol International Volunteering Platform is committed to protecting all individuals from abuse, exploitation, and harm, with special attention to children and vulnerable adults. Child and vulnerable adult abuse and exploitation occur in all countries and communities worldwide.
Our commitment to protection ensures an enabling environment for all, particularly children and vulnerable adults, to participate safely through clear policies and procedures. We will uphold this commitment across all our operations based on the principles and scope outlined in this policy.
Our Principles
- Everyone has equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation.
- Any form of harm, abuse, or exploitation is unacceptable.
- We all have a duty and responsibility to support the care and protection of those we work with and for.
- We handle all reports of actual or suspected abuse according to our policies and procedures, regardless of the nature of the referral, the individuals involved, or their location.
- Our actions and decisions are guided by best protection practices, risk assessments, the “best interest of the child” principle, the “do no harm” principle, non-discrimination, participation, and a survivor-centered approach.
- All abuse involves human rights violations, and all child abuse involves violations of children’s rights.
Our Standards
- We implement all reasonable measures to minimize risks to everyone’s well-being.
- We ensure that concerns regarding individuals or groups’ well-being are addressed in a timely manner.
- Our members agree to work within agreed-upon policies and procedures in full partnership with local agencies.
- We ensure that all individuals and organizations working on behalf of Bevol International Volunteering Platform are aware of their responsibilities in protecting children and vulnerable adults and provide them with the necessary training.
- We integrate protection measures into all activities and in all countries where we operate.
- All necessary precautions are taken to ensure confidentiality in handling protection concerns.
- We take our responsibilities seriously regarding the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, adhering to appropriate internal and external reporting and investigation procedures.
- Our protection policy will be reviewed every two years to maintain its effectiveness and relevance.
- All organizations registered on Bevol.org agree to adopt and adhere to this policy fully.
Prevention and Awareness
- Volunteer Identity Verification: Strict procedures to verify volunteers’ backgrounds before allowing them to interact with children.
- Institutional Identity Verification: Ensuring thorough background checks for organizations and their supervisors before granting access to children.
- Awareness of Cybercrimes: Educating children and volunteers about the risks of cybercrimes and online exploitation.
- Use of Cybersecurity Measures: Enhancing data protection to prevent unauthorized use of children’s personal information.
- Children’s Rights Awareness: Teaching children how to report suspicious activities, both online and offline.
Reporting and Response
- Reporting Channels: Providing a secure and accessible mechanism for reporting abuse or exploitation, including an online platform for reporting violations.
- Coordination with Legal Authorities: Immediate reporting of confirmed child exploitation cases to relevant authorities, including law enforcement and cybercrime units.
- Protection for Whistleblowers and Victims: Ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding victims from further harm.
- Internal Investigation: Establishing a dedicated committee to investigate complaints and take appropriate action.
Support and Rehabilitation
- Psychosocial and Social Support for Victims: Ensuring access to rehabilitation services and safe reintegration.
- Family Awareness Programs: Educating families on protecting children from cyber and volunteer-related exploitation.
- Collaboration with Child Protection Organizations: Partnering with relevant organizations to provide the best support for at-risk children.
Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions
- Legal Measures: Enforcing all legal actions against individuals involved in child exploitation.
- Platform Disciplinary Actions: Banning users or volunteers proven to be involved in any form of abuse or exploitation.
- Cybercrime Reporting: Working with cybercrime units to monitor and prevent child exploitation attempts.
Review and Evaluation
- Policy Updates: Periodic reviews to ensure alignment with legal and technological developments.
- Effectiveness Assessment: Evaluating reporting and response mechanisms to enhance effectiveness based on best practices.
Bevol International Volunteering Platform is fully committed to protecting children from all forms of exploitation, whether through volunteering activities or digital platforms. We emphasize the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and fair environment for everyone.