Safeguarding and PSEA policy

Our commitment

HASDI applies a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEA) and towards any form of harm to people, particularly children. This commitment covers all of our activities, including those implemented in Haiti by our local partners. No operational objective, no emergency and no context justifies any departure from it.

Scope

This policy applies to the organisation's officers, employees, volunteers, implementing partners, contractors and visitors. Accepting it is a condition of any collaboration with HASDI.

Prohibited conduct

• any form of sexual exploitation or abuse, whoever the person concerned;
• any sexual activity with a child; mistaken belief about a child's age is no defence;
• any exchange of assistance, money, employment, goods or services for sexual acts;
• sexual harassment, in any form;
• any violence, neglect or mistreatment of a child or a person in a situation of vulnerability;
• any abuse of authority, intimidation or retaliation against a person who reports a concern.

The safeguarding focal point

A safeguarding focal point receives and handles reports in full independence. This independence is guaranteed by the articles of association: article 19 prohibits the general coordinator from giving instructions to the focal point in the handling of reports. The focal point reports on its activity while respecting the confidentiality owed to the people concerned.

Protection of people who report

Every report is handled confidentially. No retaliation is tolerated against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Reports may be made anonymously.