The protection of children from exploitation and abuse is the responsibility of everyone.
AusAID is leading the way in ensuring child safety in all aspects of its aid program with its latest Child Protection Policy.
The policy, originally launched in 2008, provides a practical framework for AusAID partners to create safe environments for children.
Up to 1 in 4 children from around the world suffer from exploitation and abuse.
The Australian aid program has no higher priority than the protection of children from any form of exploitation or abuse, and takes its responsibility to protect children seriously.
Through this framework, all individuals and organisations working with children under the Australian aid program will have an obligation to protect children from exploitation and abuse – AusAID will not fund any organisation that does not adhere to the policy.
AusAID has developed mandatory child protection compliance standards in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including the Australian Federal Police, Global Child Protection Services, the NSW Ombudsman's Office, Save the Children, Plan International, ChildFund, the Australian Council for International Development, Oxfam and the Australian Childhood Foundation.
These standards follow five key principles - zero tolerance of child exploitation and abuse, recognition of the best interests of the child, sharing responsibility for child protection, procedural fairness, and a risk management approach to reduce the risks of child exploitation and abuse with aid activities.
The Child Protection Policy 2013 puts child protection on the agenda, and provides a powerful example of what organisations can do to protect children.
AusAID is committed to ensuring this policy is effective and remains up to date, and will conduct a formal review every three years.
It is AusAID's responsibility, shared with its partners, to create and maintain protective and safe environments for children.