Child and Adult Safeguarding

Keeping Children and Vulnerable Adults Safe: Our Policies and Practices

At the United Nations Women’s Association (UNWA), the safety, care, and protection of children and vulnerable adults are central to everything we do. Whether in our local programs or global partnerships, safeguarding remains our highest priority—particularly for those most at risk.

We take this responsibility seriously and have comprehensive Child and Adult Safeguarding Policies in place to protect all those we work with. We strongly condemn all forms of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward violence—especially against children.

UNWA strictly complies with mandatory reporting requirements under Australian law. All UNWA staff, volunteers, and partners are legally required to report any suspected or actual breaches of child protection standards.

Our programs and humanitarian initiatives are guided by the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence—ensuring that no individual is harmed or placed at further risk through our assistance efforts.

UNWA upholds stringent standards to safeguard children and adults, particularly when working with local partners. Our standard practice includes National Police Checks and Working with Children Checks for all staff and volunteers before engaging in aid distribution or community activities. In instances where police checks are not available, staff must follow a formal exemption process, consistent with international safeguarding best practices.

All new staff and volunteers undergo a full safeguarding orientation, which includes training in UNWA’s safeguarding protocols, child protection policies, and ethical conduct standards. They are also required to commit in writing to these policies and are made aware of the disciplinary consequences for any violations.

Key safeguarding measures include:

• UNWA’s Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy

• Adherence to humanitarian charters and ethical codes

• Behavioural-based interview screening for roles involving direct work with children

• Secure and regulated communications in sponsorship or donor-child relationships

• Chaperoned and approved visits to supported children or vulnerable adults

• Careful management of photo, video, and written content

UNWA is committed to transparency and accountability. We provide a confidential Whistleblower Hotline via Your-Call, an independent service, to report any concerns anonymously and securely. All reports are fully investigated.

To make a confidential report, visit:
🌐 www.yourcall.com.au/report
Enter UNWA’s unique identifier code: UNWA

For any safeguarding enquiries or concerns:
📧 Email: director@unwa.agency (Australia)
🌍 For international enquiries, please use our website contact form.

Together, we work to ensure that every child and adult involved in UNWA programs is safe, respected, and empowered.