The NGO “Carpathian Sea Democracy Week” is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in our organization and events. We recognize that sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment are unacceptable forms of misconduct that undermine our values and principles. This policy outlines our approach to preventing, addressing, and responding to incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within our organization and during our annual democratic week events in Ukraine.

Definitions:

• Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes, including profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
• Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
• Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or any other behavior of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation to another.

Principles:

• Zero-Tolerance: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment within our organization and during our events.
• Respect and Dignity: We are committed to treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness, and promoting a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
• Survivor-Centered Approach: We will prioritize the rights, needs, and well-being of survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, and provide them with appropriate support and assistance.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, and we are willing to address any concerns or allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment promptly, impartially, and effectively.

Prevention and Awareness:

• Risk Assessment: We will regularly assess the potential risks of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within our organization and during our events, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Training and Education: We will provide regular training and awareness programs for our staff, volunteers, and stakeholders on preventing and responding to incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Code of Conduct: We will develop and enforce a comprehensive code of conduct that outlines expected behaviors, prohibitions, and reporting procedures related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Reporting and Investigation:

• Reporting Mechanisms: We will establish safe, confidential, and accessible reporting mechanisms for individuals to report incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, including an anonymous hotline or online reporting system.
• Investigation Procedures: We will develop and implement fair and impartial investigation procedures to promptly address reported incidents, ensuring the privacy and protection of all parties involved.
• Disciplinary Actions: We will take appropriate disciplinary actions, including termination of employment or contracts, against individuals found to have engaged in sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.
• Cooperation with Authorities: We will cooperate fully with relevant law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities in the investigation and prosecution of cases of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.

Survivor Support and Protection:

• Survivor Assistance: We will provide survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment with appropriate support services, including medical care, counseling, legal aid, and safe accommodation, as needed.
• Survivor Protection: We will implement measures to protect survivors from retaliation, further harm, or re-traumatization, including confidentiality procedures, safety planning, and support through the legal process.
• Referral Pathways: We will establish referral pathways and partnerships with relevant organizations and service providers to ensure comprehensive support and assistance for survivors.

Monitoring and Review:

• Performance Monitoring: We will regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our policies and procedures related to preventing and addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Policy Review: We will review and update this policy periodically to ensure its alignment with relevant legislation, best practices, and emerging risks related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Partnerships and Advocacy:

• Collaboration: We will actively collaborate with other organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders working to prevent and address sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in Ukraine.
• Advocacy: We will use our platform to advocate for stronger policies, laws, and practices to combat sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and to raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of these issues on individuals and communities.

Confidentiality and Data Protection:

• Confidentiality Measures: We will implement strict confidentiality measures to protect the privacy and personal information of individuals involved in reported incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.
• Data Protection: We will ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations, including secure storage and handling of sensitive information related to reported incidents.

Conflict of Interest Management:

• Disclosure Requirement: All staff, volunteers, and stakeholders involved in the investigation or decision-making processes related to reported incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
• Recusal and Reassignment: Individuals with disclosed conflicts of interest shall be recused from the investigation or decision-making processes, and their responsibilities shall be reassigned to ensure impartiality and fairness.

Continuous Improvement and Learning:

• Case Reviews: We will conduct regular reviews of reported cases and incidents to identify areas for improvement, lessons learned, and best practices in prevention, response, and support measures.
• Policy and Procedure Updates: We will regularly review and update our policies, procedures, and internal controls related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, incorporating lessons learned, emerging risks, and changes in relevant legislation or best practices.

By implementing this Policy on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, the NGO “Carpathian Sea Democracy Week” aims to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in our organization and events, while promoting accountability, transparency, and a survivor-centered approach in addressing these critical issues.