Child Protection Policy

Effective Date: 2019/05/27

At Footprint Adventure, we are bound by the view that safeguarding children is integral to responsible tourism. Children remain one of the most susceptible groups in our society, and considering their best interests is more than a binding legal imperative, it is our moral obligation. This Child Protection Policy is in line with Nepal's child protection laws, including the Child Rights Act of 2018, and integrates various globally recognized best practices to advance rights and dignity for children.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure the safety, rights, and wellbeing of children in all areas of operation of Footprint Adventure.
  • Establish clear guidelines for identifying reporting and preventing child abuse or exploitation.
  • Promote awareness of child protection amongst employees, partners, and travellers.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, contractors, volunteers, and business partners associated with Footprint Adventure.
  • Travellers and guests participate in tours or activities organized by the company.

Guiding Principles

Best Interests of the Child

Every action concerning a child, either directly or indirectly, should ensure that the best interests of the child are met and protected for their protection, health, and development.

Zero Tolerance to Abuse

Footprint Adventure has zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, or neglect. This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and also any activity that causes harm to the well-being of a child.

Respect for Child Rights

All interactions with children will be conducted with respect for their dignity, privacy, and rights in accordance with the Child Rights Act, 2018 of Nepal and international conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Principal Policies and Practices

Child-Safe Recruitment

  • All staff and contractors must be subject to background checks regarding their conviction of child abuse or any other related offence.
  • Child protection awareness induction in employee training programs.

Engaging with Children

  • Employees, travellers and partners should always act to prevent harm to children.
  • All physical contact with children should be appropriate, necessary and in the child's best interest.
  • Avoid any behaviour, which may lead to accusations, particularly being alone with children in secluded areas.

Promoting Local Child Welfare

  • Footprint Adventure does not encourage gifts, donations or direct financial support to children on tours as this can create dependency and may encourage child exploitation. Support via reputable local organizations is preferred.
  • Activities involving children, including school visits, should be pre-approved and arranged in coordination with local authorities.

Photography and Social Media

  • Ensure a child's parent/guardian has provided explicit consent before taking or sharing any images or videos of the child.
  • Images or stories about children should ensure dignity and privacy and never show them in vulnerable situations.

Partnership with Local Communities

  • Cooperate with local schools, NGOs, and community leaders to make certain that children do not get exploited yet benefit from tourism activities.
  • Support educational initiatives which help in improving the well-being and opportunities of the kids within the communities where we operate.

Reporting and Response Mechanisms

Identifying Concerns

Employees and travellers should be aware of child abuse or exploitation signs and symptoms, such as unexplained physical injuries, changes in usual behaviour, or inappropriate child-adult interactions.

Reporting Procedures

  • Any suspicion or knowledge of child abuse is to be reported immediately to Footprint Adventure's CPO.
  • The CPO will record the concern and inform the local authorities with immediate effect as bound by Nepalese law.

Confidentiality and Support

  • All reports will be treated confidentially. The safety and welfare of the child are of utmost importance.
  • Footprint Adventures will fully support the child and also the reporter throughout the investigation and subsequent process.

Travelers' Responsibility

Footprint Adventure urges all clients to:

  • Not to engage in any activity that may jeopardize the safety of children, such as offering them gratuitous rides or presents.
  • Comply with local legislation regarding child protection and report any suspicious behavior to the tour leader or the CPO.
  • Promote positive interaction with children that does not jeopardize their rights and dignity.

Legal Compliance and Training

Compliance with Child Protection Laws of Nepal

This policy is in line with the Child Rights Act, 2018, and all other relevant legislation in Nepal, and assures compliance with local laws and international standards.

Staff Training

  • All staff, especially those who come into direct contact with children, will receive necessary training on child protection regarding the following aspects:
  • Identification and prevention of child abuse.
  • Cultural sensitivity in contact with children in various communities.
  • Ethical considerations in child-focused tourism.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

  • Audit by Footprint will be regular to ensure that compliance from the Child Protection Policy has been practiced.
  • Consistently, feedback taken by Footprint Adventures will help employees, travellers, and local communities improve the various practices involved in its dealings.
  • Update the policy according to changes in national laws, global child protection standards.

Conclusion

At Footprint Adventure, we believe that the protection of children is everybody's business. We hereby promise that every child who crosses our path in operation shall be safe, dignified, and well taken care of by adopting this Child Protection Policy. We commit to working in collaboration, raise awareness, and take responsibility to make the world a safer place for children and the tourism industry more responsible in Nepal.

This policy ensures a thoughtful approach to the protection of children, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, conformity with the law, and actionable practice.