Purpose and Commitment
Attorneys 4 All (A4A) is a national non-governmental organisation established in Sierra Leone and dedicated to access to justice, legal aid, empowerment, protection of vulnerable populations, advocacy and stronger rule-of-law systems.
Safeguarding is central to A4A's ethical responsibility and operational integrity. The organisation is committed to preventing harm and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns arising in connection with its work.
Who This Policy Protects
A4A's work involves children, survivors of gender-based violence, indigent beneficiaries, vulnerable adults, people in detention, survivors of exploitation and abuse, stakeholders and members of the public. Safeguarding measures should recognise the different risks and protection needs of these groups.
Zero Tolerance
A4A adopts zero tolerance for: - sexual exploitation and abuse; - sexual harassment; - child abuse and exploitation; - abuse of authority; - bullying and harassment; - discrimination; - retaliation against whistleblowers; and - other serious misconduct that causes or creates a risk of harm.
Who Must Follow This Policy
The safeguarding requirements apply to people associated with A4A, including management, staff, volunteers, interns, consultants, partner organisations, support staff and other representatives acting on behalf of the organisation.
Expected Conduct
People working with or for A4A must uphold professional legal ethics, treat beneficiaries and colleagues with dignity, avoid exploitation or abuse of power, respect confidentiality and privacy, and act promptly when a safeguarding concern is identified.
Responding to a Safeguarding Concern
A4A's supplied policy material identifies immediate safety, survivor support, adequate record keeping, proper assessment and investigation, and referral for appropriate action as elements of the response process. The detailed reporting channel, designated safeguarding responsibility, escalation arrangements and confidential record-management procedure should be approved internally and published or communicated as appropriate.
Confidentiality and Survivor-Centred Handling
Safeguarding information should be handled carefully, shared only with people who need it for protection or lawful response, and managed in a way that prioritises safety, dignity and applicable legal obligations.
Partners and Representatives
Partner organisations, consultants, volunteers and others associated with A4A should be informed of the safeguarding standards that apply to their work and should cooperate with appropriate safeguarding procedures.
Review
This policy should be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in law, organisational activity, safeguarding risk or institutional procedure.