Take actionPolicy and process Develop a clear company policy (Code of Conduct) stating a commitment to protect children potentially affected by volunteering activities. Integrate clauses on child protection and safeguards in agreements with local partner organisations. Develop selection criteria for volunteers (including background checks and police clearances). Establish standards such as letters of motivation, CVs and police clearance certificates. Define clear rules of conduct for volunteers, particularly when dealing with children. Develop a Code of Conduct for departing volunteers. This includes rules on how to deal with children, procedures to report observations of any actions against the well-being of the children, as well as information on how to handle photos of and with children. (cf. Brot für die Welt / Working Group Tourism & Development (akte) / ECPAT Germany (2018): From Volunteering to Voluntourism) Supplier assessment Visit partner organisations regularly to assess the situation on the ground. Training and capacity building Conduct training for partner organisations on the topic. Conduct mandatory preparatory training including issues around children's rights for volunteers before they volunteer. Impact assessment Evaluate the potential and actual impact the volunteering activity might have on children through consultation with people on the ground and by systematically gathering feedback from volunteers when they return (de-briefing). Grievance mechanisms Promote helplines and hotlines, where incidents of human trafficking can be reported (e.g. ECPAT campaign "Don't look away" to report on the sexual exploitation of children). Find more information on potential measures to take on the "take action" site. Take action
Analyse country-specific risksLearn more about potential human rights risks when operating in a specific country.Analyse country-specific risks