Introduction: New Light Nepal is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all individuals associated with our organization, including employees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. We recognize the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in the context of Nepali culture and societal norms. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and provides guidelines for preventing and addressing any form of abuse, exploitation, or harm within our organization.
Scope: This policy applies to all staff members, volunteers, contractors, partners, and individuals engaged with New Light Nepal. It covers all activities and interactions involving children, young people, and vulnerable adults, regardless of their role or capacity within the organization.
Key Principles:
- Respect for Culture and Tradition: We respect and value Nepali culture and traditions while ensuring that safeguarding practices align with international standards and local laws.
- Empowerment and Participation: We promote the active participation of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in decision-making processes concerning their welfare and protection.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: All safeguarding concerns and related information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and access to this information will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Prevention and Early Intervention: We prioritize preventive measures and early intervention to identify and address potential risks or issues that may compromise the safety and well-being of individuals.
- Accountability and Reporting: Everyone associated with New Light Nepal has a responsibility to report any safeguarding concerns promptly and to cooperate with investigations as required.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Executive Board: The Executive Board will oversee the implementation and effectiveness of the safeguarding policy.
- Designated Safeguarding Officer: New Light Nepal will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters, providing advice, and coordinating appropriate responses to concerns.
- Staff and Volunteers: All employees and volunteers must undergo safeguarding training and adhere to the organization’s code of conduct and reporting procedures.
- Beneficiaries and Guardians: Beneficiaries and their guardians will be informed about their rights, including the right to be safe from harm, and encouraged to report any concerns or incidents.
Safeguarding Procedures:
- Recruitment and Vetting: All staff and volunteers will undergo thorough background checks and screening before joining the organization.
- Training and Capacity Building: Regular training on safeguarding principles, reporting procedures, and code of conduct will be provided to all personnel.
- Responding to Concerns: Any safeguarding concern must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately. The DSO will follow the organization’s reporting procedures and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.
- Support and Referral: New Light Nepal will provide appropriate support and assistance to victims of abuse or harm. Referral to relevant authorities and support services will be made when necessary.
- Communication: Safeguarding information will be communicated to all stakeholders through appropriate channels and languages, taking cultural sensitivity into account.
Monitoring and Review: This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness within the context of Nepali culture and changing societal norms. Any updates or modifications will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
Conclusion: At New Light Nepal, we are committed to upholding the safety and well-being of every individual associated with us. By following this safeguarding policy and promoting a culture of vigilance and accountability, we aim to create a secure and nurturing environment that respects Nepali culture and values, while also safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Child Protection Policy
Introduction: New Light Nepal is committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of children in all aspects of our work. We recognize the significance of Nepali culture and traditions while upholding international standards for child protection. This policy outlines our dedication to safeguarding children involved with our organization and promoting a safe environment that respects and preserves Nepali values.
Scope: This policy applies to all staff members, volunteers, contractors, partners, and individuals associated with New Light Nepal. It encompasses all activities and interactions involving children, both directly and indirectly, within the organization.
Key Principles:
- Respect for Nepali Culture: We acknowledge and respect Nepali culture, customs, and family values in our child protection practices while ensuring that the safety and well-being of children are paramount.
- Child Participation: We believe in promoting the participation and involvement of children in decisions affecting their lives, taking into consideration their age, maturity, and cultural background.
- Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination: Our organization ensures equal treatment for all children, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, caste, gender, ability, or any other characteristic.
- Family and Community Engagement: We recognize the importance of family and community in child protection efforts, and we will collaborate with parents, guardians, and local stakeholders to create a protective environment for children.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: All child protection concerns and related information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and access to this information will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Sensitivity to Trauma and Culture: We will approach child protection issues with sensitivity to trauma and cultural differences, ensuring that children are treated with compassion and understanding.
Child Protection Procedures:
- Recruitment and Vetting: All individuals who may come into contact with children through our organization, including staff, volunteers, and partners, will undergo thorough background checks and vetting processes.
- Child Safeguarding Training: All personnel will receive comprehensive training on child protection principles, recognizing signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and their responsibilities in safeguarding children.
- Code of Conduct: We maintain a clear code of conduct that outlines appropriate behavior and interactions with children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
- Identification and Reporting of Concerns: Any child protection concern must be reported immediately to the designated child protection focal point within the organization. This focal point will be responsible for ensuring appropriate actions are taken promptly.
- Support and Referral: In cases of child protection concerns, appropriate support will be provided to the child involved, and referral to specialized services will be made when necessary.
- Complaints Mechanism: New Light Nepal will establish a mechanism for children and their caregivers to raise complaints and concerns related to child protection, ensuring their voices are heard and addressed.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Our organization will regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of child protection measures and make improvements as needed to strengthen our commitment to child safeguarding.
Conclusion: At New Light Nepal, we are dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of children in Nepal while respecting the values and cultural context of the community. Through this child protection policy, we aim to create a secure and nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential, knowing that their rights are protected and their voices are heard.