Child Protection Policy

Humrahi Foundation is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all children we work with, directly or indirectly. This Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm, and provides clear guidelines for prevention, reporting, and response.

 This policy applies to all employees, trustees, volunteers, interns, consultants, partners, vendors, and any other individuals representing or associated with Humrahi Foundation. 

 Humrahi Foundation is a child-centric organisation. We place the best interests of the child at the centre of all decisions and actions, upholding trust, safety, confidentiality, and respect. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse in any form. 

 A child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. 

Child abuse includes but is not limited to:

1. Physical abuse
2. Sexual abuse and exploitation
3. Emotional or psychological abuse
4. Neglect
5. Online abuse or exploitation

1.  Best interest of the child
2. Child participation and respect for dignity
3. Confidentiality and privacy
4. Non-discrimination
5. Accountability and transparency
6. Do no harm

All representatives of Humrahi Foundation must:

1. Treat all children with respect and dignity
2. Maintain professional boundaries at all times
3. Avoid being alone with a child in private or unsupervised settings
4. Use appropriate language and behaviour
5. Obtain informed consent before photographs, videos, or stories are collected
6. Never engage in physical, sexual, or emotionally abusive behaviour

 Humrahi Foundation ensures child-safe recruitment through:

1. Background verification and reference checks
2. Mandatory orientation on child protection
3. Signing of the Child Protection Code of Conduct

All concerns, suspicions, allegations, or disclosures of child abuse must be reported immediately.

Reporting Channels:

1. Immediate Supervisor or Programme Lead
2. Board/Leadership representative
3. All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.

Upon receiving a report, Humrahi Foundation will:

1. Ensure immediate safety of the child
2. Follow due process and legal obligations, including reporting under the POCSO Act, 2012
3. Conduct an internal inquiry where appropriate
4. Provide support and referrals for the child and family

Information related to child protection cases will be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis, ensuring the child’s privacy and dignity.

Humrahi Foundation ensures:

1. No retaliation against anyone reporting concerns in good faith
2. Emotional and psychosocial support for affected children
3. Guidance and protection for whistleblowers