Child Protection policy

A Summary of the Child Rights and Child Protection Policy of the Dulabhatorn Foundation 

Goal: The overall goal of the policy is to ensure that all actions of the Dulabhatorn Foundation promote the rights of children in accordance with international agreements, national laws and ethical practices and protect them from abuse in any form. In this the Foundation subscribes to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989),* with particular emphasis on Articles 3 (Best Interests of the Child), 4 (Protection of Rights), 5 (Parental Guidance), 12 (Respect for the Views of the Child), 13 (Freedom of Expression), 14 (Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion), 29 (Goals of Education), 30 (Children of Minorities/Indigenous Groups) and 42 (Knowledge of Rights).

Principles/Practices: In conjunction with its activities and programmes focusing on education and promotion of a better life for frequently marginalized children with limited or no access to education in its many forms, the Dulabhatorn Foundation emphasizes the following:

The rights and welfare of the child are paramount.
All children, regardless of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity must be able to enjoy their rights and be protected from abuse -- physical, emotional and neglect.
All members, staff, volunteers and others associated with the Foundation will assist in the monitoring of child rights and freedom from abuse and ensure that parents, caregivers and others, including the children themselves, will be part of this effort.
Contacts with children will emphasize the extra confidentiality and protection needed by children when communicating their stories, obtaining specific consent from children and their parents/guardians for contacts and use of their images and stories, and respecting their privacy and personal information.
The use of photographs/images and data/information of children will ensure: confidentiality, consent of parents and caregivers, safeguards against inappropriate use of images and content, and coordination with authorities as necessary.
In each case, the individual child or group will be counseled on his/her/their rights and confidential/friendly channels for communication of concerns will be available.
The Foundation will follow up and review its policy and practices regularly.

* Convention on the Rights of the Child, Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989. Entry into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49 (http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm)