Date: 04 September 2023

The EPLO is committed to provide and maintain a caring learning environment which promotes its core values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation.

The EPLO strongly condemns all forms of child abuse and exploitation and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within its field of function and influence according to its nature.

Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource development actions such as training and counselling to legal actions where needed.

EPLO Child Protection Policy is based on:
1. Our vision, mission and values
2. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
3. Experience and input of stakeholders from various partnerships as great value is placed upon their views
4. Τhe guidelines of the Hellenic Data Protection Authority as far as it concerns child protection
5. The International Child Safeguarding Standards of Keeping Children Safe.

EPLO works 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 anddiscrimination.

The key parts of EPLO Child Protection Policy include:
1. Awareness: Raise awareness of child abuse and its risks
2. Prevention: Provide guidance on how to safeguard children from abuse
3. Reporting: Set up and adhere to a clear and simple reporting procedure
4. Responding: Ensure clear action is taken when child abuse is suspected or reported

This policy document is binding for all employees of EPLO. Based on this policy paper, each co-worker and partner shall define clear reporting and responding structures, as well as consistent crisis management plans to bring child protection to life in its field and region.

Every child is potentially at risk of abuse and exploitation. Some children may be more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, due to various forms of discrimination and marginalization relating to their socio-economic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, caste, or living situation.

Therefore, it is crucial that every person connected with EPLO understands what constitutes child abuse, as well as his or her 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”.

EPLO recognizes that child abuse and exploitation take place in all countries and societies around the world. Trying to define it as a world phenomenon is still difficult because of the vast cultural, religious, social, political, legal and economic differences that children experience.

EPLO respects all cultures and religions; within a broad intercultural and interdisciplinary approach we have attempted to create a unified frame. In order to prevent and respond to child abuse, it is crucial that we as an organization reach a common understanding as to what child abuse is and in which circumstances our policies and procedures apply.

Furthermore, EPLO is committed to broader awareness-raising, prevention and advocacy work within communities and national authorities to promote the protection of children’s rights.

The UNCRC provides an international framework outlining children’s rights to protection from abuse and neglect (article 19), discrimination (article 2) and different forms of exploitation (articles 32-36); special consideration is given to children deprived of parental care (article 20), refugee children (article 22), children at risk of developing a drug habit (article 33), children who are deprived of their liberty (article 37, 40), children in situations of armed conflict (article 38, 40).

EPLO further recognizes the importance of children’s participation, empowering girls and boys to speak up against all forms of abuse, acting as agents of self-protection and the protection of their peers.