CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY

 

A1. Policy Statement

NDSICDE is fully committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children involved in or affected by our programmes, staff activities, and operations.

This annex aligns with:

• Child Rights Act (Nigeria)

• Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

• UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual

Exploitation and Abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13)

 

A2. Definition of a Child

For this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years, regardless of local customs or consent

laws.

 

A3. Forms of Child Abuse

Child abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity with a child

• Sexual exploitation: Using a child for sexual purposes or benefit

• Physical abuse: Hitting, beating, or harmful punishment

• Emotional abuse: Humiliation, threats, intimidation

• Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s basic needs

 

A4. Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited for all staff and associated persons:

• Sexual activity with a child (regardless of consent or local practices)

• Exchange of money, gifts, favours, or services for interaction with a child

• Physical punishment or degrading treatment

• Taking photographs or videos of children without written consent

• Communicating with children via personal phone or social media without authorisation

 

A5. Child-Safe Behaviour Guidelines

Staff, consultants and volunteers must:

• Treat all children with dignity and respect

• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times

• Ensure visibility when interacting with children

• Immediately report any concerns or suspicions of abuse

• Follow approved procedures during field activities

 

A6. Recruitment and Screening

NDSICDE does not recruit children

 

A7. Reporting Child Safeguarding Concerns

Any suspicion, allegation, or disclosure involving a child must be reported immediately to the

Safeguarding Focal Person or Executive Director. Failure to report a safeguarding concern is considered

serious misconduct.

 

A8. Response and Referral

Where child abuse is suspected:

• The child’s safety is the priority

• Confidentiality will be maintained

• Appropriate referrals will be made to social services or law enforcement

• Donors will be notified where required by funding agreements

 

ANNEX B:

DONOR SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (PSEA) COMPLIANCE

B1. Zero Tolerance Commitment

NDSICDE adopts a zero-tolerance approach to:

8• Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

• Sexual Harassment (SH)

• Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• Child abuse and exploitation

This commitment is consistent with:

• UN PSEA Standards

• USAID Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) & Safeguarding Rules

• EU Humanitarian Aid & Development Safeguarding Requirements

 

B2. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

SEA includes:

• Any abuse of a position of power for sexual purposes

• Any sexual relationship between staff and beneficiaries

• Any exchange of assistance, money, or services for sexual acts

All sexual relationships between staff and beneficiaries are prohibited, regardless of consent.

 

B3. Mandatory Reporting Obligations

In line with donor requirements:

• All allegations must be reported internally within 24 hours

• Serious cases must be reported to donors as per agreement terms

• Failure to report may result in disciplinary action and donor sanctions

 

B4. Whistleblower Protection

NDSICDE ensures:

• Confidential reporting channels

• Protection from retaliation

• Anonymous reporting options where feasible

This meets UN, USAID, and EU whistleblower protection standards.

 

B5. Training and Awareness

NDSICDE will:

• Conduct mandatory annual safeguarding and PSEA training

• Include safeguarding induction for all new staff

9• Provide refresher training for field teams and partners

 

B6. Partner and Sub-Recipient Compliance

All partners, vendors, and sub-grantees must:

• Sign safeguarding and PSEA commitments

• Adhere to this policy or equivalent standards

• Report incidents involving their personnel

Non-compliance may result in contract termination.

 

B7. Monitoring and Accountability

NDSICDE will:

• Maintain safeguarding incident records (confidential)

• Cooperate fully with donor audits and investigations

• Review safeguarding systems regularly

• Take corrective action where weaknesses are identified

 

ANNEX C: DONOR DECLARATION STATEMENT

“NDSICDE affirms its commitment to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and child abuse in line with UN, USAID, and EU safeguarding standards. This policy binds all staff, partners, and representatives.”