CODE OF CONDUCT
General Commitment:
We are committed to protecting children from abuse and exploitation and to taking necessary remedial action when children are in such situations. We address all reports of actual or alleged abuse based on our policies and procedures, irrespective of the nature of the referral, who the allegations are about or who the referrer is or where she/he is from.
Overarching principles:
As a participant at the “Annual Regional Gathering of Children’s Groups Representatives” which will be held from 14-17 of October, 2014 in Bangkok, I will observe the highest level of ethical and proper behaviour including:
• Being aware of what constitutes child abuse and exploitation by having access to, and receiving a copy of the Child Protection Policy and the Code of Conduct.
• Knowing signs of abuse and to report any suspicious observations immediately to the Child Protection Focal Person(s) or Facilitators or the Organizers.
• Respecting lines of authority and reporting procedures.
• Respecting the basic rights of others by acting fairly, honestly, and tactfully, and by treating people with dignity and respect; including respecting national law and local culture, traditions, customs, and practices that are in line with UN conventions.
• Working actively to ensure highest levels of respect toward attendees by venue staff.
• Maintaining high standards of personal and professional conduct both personally and in others.
• Protecting the health, safety and well-being of myself and others.
All Participants:
• Never engage in sexual activity with any participant.
• Never engage in fondling, kissing or other inappropriate touching of participants.
• Ensure that all participants are either in their rooms or designated areas after 10 PM.
• Avoid any action or behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. For example, never behave physically in any manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative.
• Be concerned about perception and appearance in their language, actions, and relationships with children and/or adolescents.
• Ensure the confidentiality of each participant’s personal information is observed and respected.
• Must not have a child stay overnight in the same room
• Never sleep in the same bed with children and/or adolescents.
• Spend time alone away from others with children. Always make sure that there is another adult with you or the child/children are met in a public place.
• Do not perform activities for children and/or adolescents that they can do themselves (e.g. help with dressing up).
• Do not discriminate, shame, humiliate, belittle, or degrade children and/or adolescents. This includes anything that may be considered emotional abuse, and must be similarly maintained and observed between all participants, staff and youth representatives.
• Do not hit or otherwise physically assaults participants.
• Do not act in any way that may be abusive or place others at risk of abuse.
• Do not condone violations of this code by others, both staff and participants.
• Do not expose children and adolescents to any inappropriate electronic material
• Do not use any computers, mobile phones, video and digital cameras or any such medium to exploit or harass children
• Do not access child abuse images by any means.
Protection from harmful information: Guidelines for adults
Children and adolescents have the right to be protected from any information they do not need to know and for which they may not have the understanding and maturity to cope. This is especially true if the information deals with sexual matters. All adults participating in this event have a duty to ensure that no child is harmed as a result of information from presentations and discussions whether in spoken, written or visual form or any other kind of communication. This means:
• No shocking/offensive stories or case studies, images
• No emotional personal testimony of abuse and exploitation
• No role play or drama depicting rape or other sexual or violent acts
• Sensitivity to other cultures
• No ‘bad’ (improper/offensive) language
All adults should be alert to such situations and are responsible for protecting all children and adolescents attending the event. Facilitators in particular must be prepared to stop discussions or presentations that are inappropriate and remind participants that;
• Child protection is mandatory
• Activities must remain within professional limits
• Time out may be necessary.
Anyone (child or adult) who feels uncomfortable or needs a break from a presentation or discussion can leave. There will be a quiet place for reflection available at the meeting venue with a supportive counsellor if needed.