1. Purpose of the Policy
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- Lao Elephant Sanctuary Co. Ltd (“the Sanctuary”) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, partners, and the communities we serve. This safeguarding policy aims to prevent and respond to any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (SEAH), and violence, ensuring that all individuals associated with the Sanctuary are treated with dignity and respect.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to:
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- All employees (full-time, part-time, contractual).
- Volunteers and interns.
- Partner organizations and their staff.
- Consultants and contractors.
- Beneficiaries, including children and adults at risk.
- Visitors and guests at the Sanctuary’s sites.
3. Definitions
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- Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
- Sexual Abuse: Actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
- Harassment: Any unwelcome behaviour that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment, including verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct.
- Violence: The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against another person or a group, resulting in injury, psychological harm, or deprivation.
- Safeguarding: The measures taken to protect people from harm, including SEAH, and to promote their welfare, especially those who are vulnerable or at risk.
4. Principles
The Sanctuary is committed to the following principles in relation to safeguarding:
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- Zero Tolerance: Any form of SEAH or violence will not be tolerated. All reports will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
- Do No Harm: All programmes and activities will be conducted in a manner that prioritizes the safety and dignity of beneficiaries, staff, and all involved.
- Empowerment: Stakeholders will be empowered to understand their rights and report concerns freely and confidentially.
- Accountability: The Sanctuary will ensure mechanisms are in place to prevent, identify, and respond to safeguarding concerns in a transparent and effective manner.
- Confidentiality: All information related to safeguarding concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, only shared with those who need to know in order to take action.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
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- The Board: Holds overall accountability for ensuring the effectiveness of safeguarding policies and practices.
- Senior Management: Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of safeguarding measures across the organization.
- All Staff, Volunteers, and Partners: Must adhere to this policy and report any concerns regarding safeguarding to the Senior Management.
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6. Code of Conduct
All staff, volunteers, partners, and representatives of the Sanctuary are required to:
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- Treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
- Not engage in any form of sexual activity with children (under 18 years), beneficiaries, or anyone in a vulnerable position.
- Not engage in exploitative or coercive relationships.
- Avoid any behaviour that may be construed as SEAH or violence.
- Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and personal conduct when working with beneficiaries, especially vulnerable populations.