Child Protection Policy
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June 4, 2024
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation is committed to protecting the safety, welfare and rights of all children who come into contact with our programmes. This policy outlines our approach to child protection, including the steps we take to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation and always respond to any case of proven, alleged, or attempted abuse within our field of function and influence according to its nature.
Efforts are made to ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting, and facilitate response. These range from human resource development actions, such as training and counselling, to legal actions where needed.
We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation and always respond to any case of proven, alleged, or attempted abuse within our field of function and influence according to its nature.
Efforts are made to ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting, and facilitate response. These range from human resource development actions, such as training and counselling, to legal actions where needed.
Our Child Protection Policy is based on:
A. Our vision, mission and values
B. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
C. Experience and input of our stakeholders, communities and partners
D. The standards on child protection as defined by the Keeping Children Safe Coalition
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation acts in accordance with the UNCRC: The best interest of the child is our primary consideration. Every child has the right to develop to his or her full potential, to quality education, participation, and non-discrimination. Everybody has the responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, violence, and discrimination. In this policy, specific attention is focused on specific mechanisms to prevent and respond to child abuse.
B. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
C. Experience and input of our stakeholders, communities and partners
D. The standards on child protection as defined by the Keeping Children Safe Coalition
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation acts in accordance with the UNCRC: The best interest of the child is our primary consideration. Every child has the right to develop to his or her full potential, to quality education, participation, and non-discrimination. Everybody has the responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, violence, and discrimination. In this policy, specific attention is focused on specific mechanisms to prevent and respond to child abuse.
The key components of the Foundation’s Child Protection Policy include:
A. Awareness: Raise awareness of child abuse and its risks.
B. Prevention: Provide guidance on how to safeguard children from abuse.
C. Reporting: Setting up and adhering to a clear and simple reporting procedure.
D. Responding: Ensuring clear action is taken when child abuse is suspected or reported.
B. Prevention: Provide guidance on how to safeguard children from abuse.
C. Reporting: Setting up and adhering to a clear and simple reporting procedure.
D. Responding: Ensuring clear action is taken when child abuse is suspected or reported.
Introduction
This policy document is binding for all employees of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. Based on this policy, each staff member and partner shall define clear reporting and responding structures, as well as consistent crisis management plans, to bring child protection to life within their respective fields and regions.
Every child is potentially at risk of abuse and exploitation. Some children may be more vulnerable due to various forms of discrimination and marginalization relating to their socio-economic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, or living situation.
It is therefore crucial that every person connected with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation understands what constitutes child abuse, as well as their own role and responsibilities in protecting children.
Any definition of child abuse first requires a definition of “the child.“ According to the UNCRC, a child is “every human being below the age of 18 years unless national law recognizes the age of majority earlier“.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation recognizes that child abuse and exploitation take place in all countries and societies. Defining it as a global phenomenon remains complex due to vast cultural, religious, social, political, and economic differences. The Foundation respects all cultures and religions, within a broad intercultural approach, we have created a unified framework. To prevent and respond to abuse, it is crucial that we reach a common organizational understanding of what child abuse is and the circumstances in which our policies apply.
Furthermore, the Foundation is committed to broader awareness-raising, prevention, and advocacy work within families, schools, and national authorities to promote the protection of children’s rights.
Every child is potentially at risk of abuse and exploitation. Some children may be more vulnerable due to various forms of discrimination and marginalization relating to their socio-economic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, or living situation.
It is therefore crucial that every person connected with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation understands what constitutes child abuse, as well as their own role and responsibilities in protecting children.
Any definition of child abuse first requires a definition of “the child.“ According to the UNCRC, a child is “every human being below the age of 18 years unless national law recognizes the age of majority earlier“.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation recognizes that child abuse and exploitation take place in all countries and societies. Defining it as a global phenomenon remains complex due to vast cultural, religious, social, political, and economic differences. The Foundation respects all cultures and religions, within a broad intercultural approach, we have created a unified framework. To prevent and respond to abuse, it is crucial that we reach a common organizational understanding of what child abuse is and the circumstances in which our policies apply.
Furthermore, the Foundation is committed to broader awareness-raising, prevention, and advocacy work within families, schools, and national authorities to promote the protection of children’s rights.
Goals of the Child Protection Policy
This policy aims to:
- Prevent cases of child abuse and reduce the number of incidents (child-to-child and adult-to-child) where the Foundation interacts with children.
- Make children aware of their rights and their active role in their own protection.
- Inform children, staff, board members, partners, and journalists about our protection procedures.
- Foster open and honest discussions on child abuse in all programmes and facilities.
- Put in place fair, secure, and transparent reporting channels that guarantee the right of stakeholders to be heard.
What is Child Abuse? – Definitions
Definitions of the four main categories of abuse:
- Physical Abuse: Actual or potential physical harm caused by action or inaction within the control of a person in a position of trust. This includes hitting, shaking, or fabricating symptoms of ill health.
- Sexual Abuse: Activity between a child and an adult (or another child in a position of power) intended to gratify the needs of the other person. This includes physical contact, exposure to pornography, or encouraging inappropriate behavior.
- Neglect: The failure of a caregiver to provide for the child’s basic needs (health, nutrition, shelter, supervision) despite having the resources to do so.
- Emotional Abuse: Persistent ill-treatment that adversely affects a child’s self-perception. This includes ridiculing, bullying, or imposing inappropriate expectations.
Code of Conduct Highlights
Do:
- Treat all children equally and inclusively.
- Ensure at least two staff members are present during meetings with children.
- Obtain written consent before photographing or filming minors.
- Report any suspicious observations immediately to the Child Protection Officer.
Do not:
- Spend time alone with a child in any circumstances that might be questioned by others.
- Engage in any physical contact (hugging, holding hands) unless initiated by the child in a culturally appropriate way.
- Perform personal tasks for children that they can do themselves (dressing, grooming).
- Use a child’s personal contact details/social media for non-Foundation business.
Ensuring child protection internally & externally
For the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, Katarzyna Kulik-Lodkowska will act as the primary Child Protection Policy Officer (CPPO), effective June 4, 2024.
- Background Checks: The Foundation will conduct criminal background checks on candidates involved in working with minors.
- Annual Review: This policy will be revised annually and all employees must undergo an annual briefing.
- External Partners: All external contractors (photographers, consultants, etc.) are required to sign an acknowledgement of this policy. Staff will ensure children are never left alone with external partners.
Signature
Wojciech Soczewica, Director General
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