Safeguarding & Protection Policy. Save Aging Campaign Nepal (SAC Nepal) is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals involved in or impacted by its programs, particularly senior citizens and vulnerable adults. This Safeguarding & Protection Policy establishes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harassment. It outlines the standards, responsibilities, and procedures required to prevent harm and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns. The policy aligns with international best practices and donor requirements, including those of USAID and United Nations agencies, ensuring accountability, transparency, and a survivor-centered approach in all SAC Nepal activities.
Safeguarding & Protection Policy
1. Policy Statement
Save Aging Campaign Nepal (SAC Nepal) has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harassment. SAC Nepal is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals, especially senior citizens, vulnerable adults, and marginalized communities, in all programs and operations.
This policy aligns with international safeguarding standards, including:
- Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
- Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PSH)
- Do No Harm principles
- Human rights-based approach
2. Purpose
This policy aims to:
- Prevent harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect
- Protect vulnerable populations, particularly elderly beneficiaries
- Ensure safe programming and ethical conduct
- Establish clear reporting and response mechanisms
- Meet compliance requirements of international donors and partners
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All SAC Nepal staff, board members, and volunteers
- Consultants, contractors, and partner organizations
- Any individual representing SAC Nepal
It applies across:
- Program implementation
- Community engagement
- Fundraising and outreach activities
4. Key Definitions
- Safeguarding: Measures to protect people from harm caused by contact with the organization
- Sexual Exploitation: Abuse of power for sexual purposes, including exchange of benefits
- Sexual Abuse: Any actual or threatened sexual activity without consent
- Vulnerable Adult: Individuals at risk due to age, disability, or social/economic conditions
- Beneficiary: Any individual receiving SAC Nepal services
5. Core Safeguarding Principles
SAC Nepal commits to:
- Zero tolerance for abuse and exploitation
- Accountability to affected populations (AAP)
- Do No Harm in all interventions
- Non-discrimination and inclusion
- Confidentiality and survivor-centered approach
- Prevention-first approach
6. Code of Conduct (Mandatory)
All representatives must:
- Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
- Not engage in sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment
- Never exchange money, goods, or services for sexual favors
- Avoid any inappropriate relationships with beneficiaries
- Use respectful communication at all times
- Obtain informed consent for photos, data, and participation
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately
7. Prevention Measures
SAC Nepal will:
- Conduct safe recruitment practices (background/reference checks)
- Provide mandatory safeguarding & PSEA training
- Integrate safeguarding into all program designs
- Conduct risk assessments for activities
- Raise awareness among communities on rights and reporting systems
8. Safeguarding Risk Management
Identified risks include:
- Elder abuse (physical, emotional, financial)
- Neglect and social exclusion
- Misuse of funds or resources intended for beneficiaries
- Sexual exploitation or harassment
Mitigation measures:
- Community monitoring systems
- Transparent beneficiary selection
- Strong supervision and accountability structures
9. Reporting Mechanisms
SAC Nepal ensures safe, accessible, and confidential reporting channels:
Reporting options:
- Safeguarding Focal Person
- Senior management
- Anonymous complaint mechanisms (suggestion boxes, hotline if available)
Reports can be made by:
- Staff and volunteers
- Beneficiaries and community members
- Partners and stakeholders
10. Response and Investigation
SAC Nepal will:
- Respond immediately to ensure safety
- Follow a survivor-centered approach
- Maintain confidentiality and dignity
- Conduct timely and impartial investigations
- Take disciplinary action, including termination
- Refer cases to legal authorities when required
11. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
SAC Nepal strictly prohibits:
- Sexual relationships with beneficiaries
- Exchange of aid for sexual favors
- Any exploitative or coercive behavior
All staff must sign and adhere to PSEA commitments.
12. Child Protection -Safeguarding & Protection Policy
Although SAC Nepal focuses on senior citizens, any interaction with children must ensure:
- Safety and protection from harm
- No child labor, abuse, or exploitation
- Immediate reporting of concerns
13. Roles and Responsibilities
- Board: Oversight and accountability
- Management: Implementation and compliance
- Safeguarding Focal Person: Reporting and case management
- Staff/Volunteers: Adherence and reporting
- Partners: Compliance with SAC Nepal safeguarding standards
14. Confidentiality & Data Protection
- All safeguarding information will be handled securely
- Shared only on a need-to-know basis
- Survivor identity will always be protected
15. Non-Retaliation
SAC Nepal strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports safeguarding concerns in good faith.
16. Disciplinary Measures
Violations may result in:
- Immediate suspension or termination
- Legal action
- Blacklisting from future engagement
17. Monitoring, Evaluation & Compliance
- Regular safeguarding audits
- Staff training updates
- Compliance checks for partners
- Integration into project M&E frameworks
18. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or as required by donor compliance standards.
19. Declaration of Commitment
SAC Nepal commits to upholding the highest safeguarding standards in line with global humanitarian and development practices, ensuring all individuals are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
Conclusion – Safeguarding & Protection Policy
Save Aging Campaign Nepal (SAC Nepal) reaffirms its strong commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals, especially senior citizens and vulnerable populations. By implementing this policy, SAC Nepal ensures a safe, respectful, and accountable environment across all its programs and operations. The organization will continue to strengthen its safeguarding systems through awareness, training, monitoring, and continuous improvement, in alignment with international standards and donor expectations, including those of USAID and United Nations agencies.
SAC Nepal believes that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and all representatives must actively contribute to preventing harm and promoting a culture of respect, protection, and zero tolerance for abuse and exploitation.
