Child Protection Policy

1. Policy Statement

Amizone is committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. In line with the Child Rights Act 2003, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act), and the National Child Online Protection Policy (2022), our initiative ensures that the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration in all our programs, decisions, and activities.

We recognize that every child has the right to survival, development, protection, and participation, and we are committed to creating a safe environment where children feel secure, respected, and empowered.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Amizone staff, volunteers, and partners.
  
• All children (defined as persons under 18 years, per the Child Rights Act).
  
• All schools, organizations, and communities participating in the Amizone Child Protection Initiative.

3. Guiding Principles

1. Best Interest of the Child (CRA, Sec. 1): All actions shall prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of the child.
   
2. Non-Discrimination: No child shall be excluded based on gender, disability, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
   
3. Right to Participation: Children shall be given opportunities to express their views and be heard in matters affecting them.
   
4. Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation—whether physical, sexual, emotional, or online—will not be tolerated.
   
5. Mandatory Reporting: All staff and partners are legally and ethically required to report suspected or actual cases of child abuse in accordance with Nigerian law.

4. Definitions (as per Nigerian Law)

• Child Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation (CRA, Sec. 277).
  
• Grooming: Acts intended to establish an emotional connection with a child for purposes of exploitation.
  
• Online Abuse: Any exploitation, bullying, exposure to harmful content, or grooming conducted digitally.
  
• Neglect: Failure of a parent, guardian, or caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs.

5. Preventive Measures

• Conduct background checks on all Amizone staff and volunteers.
  
• Train teachers, counselors, and facilitators on child protection and safeguarding practices.
  
• Ensure safe physical and digital environments for children in all Amizone programs.
  
• Establish clear codes of conduct for staff and volunteers when engaging with children.

6. Reporting & Response Procedures

1. Immediate Reporting:
   
   • All suspicions, disclosures, or incidents of abuse must be reported immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer within the school and Amizone.
     
2. Referral to Authorities:
   
   • All credible cases will be reported to relevant state child protection units, law enforcement, or agencies (e.g., National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons – NAPTIP, Ministry of Women Affairs, or Police Gender & Juvenile Units).
     
3. Confidentiality:
   
   • Identities of survivors will be protected in compliance with Nigerian Data Protection laws and the CRA.
     
4. Support for Survivors:
   
   • Survivors shall have access to counseling, safe spaces, and referrals for further medical, legal, or social support.

7. Digital Protection (Online Safety)

In compliance with Nigeria’s Child Online Protection Policy (2022):

• Age-appropriate content will be provided on Amizone platforms.
  
• Strict moderation will be applied to digital spaces to prevent bullying, grooming, or exploitation.
  
• Children’s personal data will be handled securely, with parental/guardian consent where required.

8. Roles & Responsibilities

• Amizone Staff & Volunteers: Mandatory reporters of suspected abuse; must follow safeguarding code of conduct.
  
• School Partners: Provide a safe learning environment, facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborate in reporting.
  
• Parents/Guardians: Encouraged to reinforce protection practices at home.
  
• Children: Encouraged to speak up, report concerns, and participate actively in their protection.

9. Monitoring & Review

• Amizone shall conduct annual reviews of this policy to ensure compliance with updates in Nigerian law.
  
• Regular training and refresher sessions will be provided to staff, school counselors, and volunteers.

10. Enforcement

Violation of this policy will lead to:

• Internal disciplinary action (suspension, dismissal).
  
• Referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution under Nigerian law (CRA, VAPP Act, Criminal Code, Penal Code, etc.).

11. Contact

For child protection concerns, contact:
Child Protection Desk – help@amizone.org
Phone: [Insert Number]
Email: [Insert Email]