CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

GLOBAL UNION OF CHANGEMAKERS (GUC)

Purpose

GUC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and protective environment for all children and young people involved in its programs and activities. This Child Protection Policy sets out the standards and procedures that guide how GUC staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders should protect children under 18 years from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and unsafe practices.

This Policy supports GUC’s constitutional commitment to respect human dignity, promote equity, and protect vulnerable groups.

Child: For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.

Scope and Applicability

This Policy applies to:

• All GUC Board members, staff, interns, volunteers, consultants, contractors, partners, and representatives;

• All GUC programs, events, gatherings, digital platforms, training, and community outreach where children may be present or participate;

• Any context where GUC is acting in its official capacity or where individuals represent GUC.

Core Principles

GUC’s approach to child protection is founded on the following principles:

1. Best Interests of the Child — Decisions and actions affecting children prioritize their safety, wellbeing, and dignity.

2. Zero Tolerance for Abuse — GUC does not tolerate any form of physical, emotional, psychosocial, or neglectful harm toward children.

3. Non-Discrimination and Inclusion — All children have the right to protection regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or background.

4. Participation and Respect — Children’s voices are heard and respected in matters affecting their lives.

5. Accountability and Transparency — GUC upholds ethical practices and is accountable to children, families, partners, and donors.

Definitions of Harm

For the purposes of this policy, child harm may include but is not limited to:

Physical abuse — Any non‑accidental physical injury.

Emotional abuse — Persistent hostility, threats, humiliation, or behavior that affects a child’s emotional wellbeing.

Neglect — Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs or protect from harm.

Exploitation — Using a child for labour, services, or activities that are harmful or inappropriate for their age.

Sexual exploitation — Any sexual activity where a child is involved in exchange for something.

5. Expectations and Responsibilities

5.1 GUC Board and Leadership

Endorse and support implementation of this policy.

Ensure resources and systems for child protection are in place.

Review child protection reporting and response annually.

5.2 Management and Supervisors

Ensure staff and volunteers understand this policy and receive training.

Integrate child protection expectations into program planning and risk assessments.

5.3 Staff, Volunteers, and Representatives

All who represent GUC must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity.

• Avoid situations where they are alone with a child without visibility.

• Immediately report concerns about child safety or suspected abuse.

• Not engage in any form of physical punishment, threats, inappropriate contact, or harmful language.

• Safe Recruitment and Screening

• GUC will apply child‑safe recruitment practices, including:

• Background checks for roles involving child contact;

• Reference checks that include verification of past conduct with children;

• Written agreements outlining child protection expectations.

7. Reporting and Response Mechanisms

7.1 Reporting

Any concern, allegation, or suspicion of child harm must be reported without delay to the Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) or an alternative safe reporting channel.

Reports should include:

Description of incident;

Names of children and adults involved (if known);

Location, dates, and supporting information.

7.2 Confidentiality

All reports and records are treated confidentially. Only those directly involved in the response will be informed on a need‑to‑know basis.

7.3 Response

GUC will:

Take immediate action to ensure the child’s protection and safety;

Follow a structured investigation process;

Work with child protection authorities when required by law;

Document outcomes and follow‑up support.

8. Training and Capacity Building

GUC will provide regular training for:

Staff and leadership on child protection standards;

Volunteers and partners on identifying risks and reporting;

Community stakeholders where programs involve children.

9. Roles that Must Comply

This Policy applies to everyone associated with GUC, including but not limited to:

Board members

National Directors

Executive, thematic, and program staff

Volunteers and interns

Consultants and external partners

10. Related Policies and Integration

• This Policy works alongside and refers to:

• Code of Ethics & Integrity

• Conflict of Interest Policy

• Whistleblowing Policy

• Safeguarding and Anti‑Harassment Standards

• Human Resource and Volunteer Policies

• Together, these ensure a comprehensive protective environment for children participating in or impacted by GUC’s activities.

11. Compliance and Disciplinary Measures

Non‑compliance with this Policy may result in:

Supervisor warning or retraining

Suspension from duties

Termination of engagement with GUC

Referral to legal authorities as required

12. Monitoring, Evaluation & Review

This Policy shall be:

Communicated to all staff, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders;

Reviewed at least every two years or as required by legal or operational changes;

Updated to reflect evolving best practice and child protection standards.

13. Adoption and Endorsement

This Child Protection Policy is adopted by the Executive Council of GUC in view of its commitment to ethical, equitable, and safe engagement with youth and children globally.