Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct

This child protection policy and code of conduct apply to projects and activities of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights (LBI-GMR). In its research, teaching, training, and consulting activities, the institute pursues a participatory approach that, as a matter of principle, also involves children in the research process. This requires a safe environment that effectively protects children from harm and danger.

The policy and the code of conduct are based on established international child rights standards (in particular the UN Convention on the rights of the child and its optional protocols) as well as on specific guidelines developed at the international level (Keeping Children Safe, Child Safeguarding Standards and how to implement them, 2014) and in the national context (see ECPAT Austria, Child Protection Concepts Platform)—particularly relevant here is the Child Protection Policy (including appendices) of the Austrian Children’s Rights Network, where the LBI-GMR is a member.

The Child protection guidelines and the code of conduct are adopted for all LBI-GMR staff members, as well as for contractors and cooperation partners, with the aim of protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation in the context of research.

In particular, the LBI-GMR ensures that

  • Staff members and volunteers are carefully selected,
  • staff members and volunteers possess basic knowledge of child protection and violence prevention or can acquire this knowledge through internal training,
  • a comprehensive risk analysis (including risk mitigation measures) is conducted prior to any direct work with children regarding the planned project activities,
  • all work with children is based on voluntary participation, and the rights of children and their legal guardians to information and consent are safeguarded in accordance with legal requirements, including data protection,
  • internal reporting and complaint procedures are established in the event of suspected abuse by our own staff or volunteers, and these individuals—and in particular all children involved in the research—are aware of them;
  • the guidelines are reviewed regularly and adjusted as necessary;
  • two qualified child protection officers from the LBI-GMR are appointed to monitor compliance with these guidelines and to ensure that children have access to a trusted person in cases of suspected abuse.

The LBI-GMR commits itself

  • to respecting children as individuals and creating/maintaining a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for them, where their opinions matter,
  • to never abusing the power or influence entrusted to it over a child’s life and well-being,
  • not to sexually, physically, or emotionally harm, endanger, or exploit a child,
  • to ensure that, in the course of their professional activities, employees or volunteers do not engage in sexual acts with children or exploit positions of authority for such purposes,
  • to refrain from any form of threat, intimidation, or discrimination.

Everything that endangers or harms children must be avoided; this includes, in particular:

  • Physical contact with children that goes beyond what is professionally necessary,
  • Hugging, petting, kissing, squeezing, or touching children in an inappropriate or culturally insensitive manner,
  • Using inappropriate, indecent, or abusive language, making inappropriate suggestions, or offering inappropriate advice,
  • Making sexual references or engaging in ambiguous behavior toward a child,
  • Unsolicitedly assisting a child with intimate tasks (personal hygiene) when the child is capable of managing them independently,
  • Insulting, humiliating, belittling, or otherwise emotionally harming children,
  • Discriminating against children,
  • Tolerating or participating in illegal, dangerous, or abusive behavior toward children.

All LBI-GMR employees are aware of the child protection guidelines and the code of conduct; new employees are informed of these upon starting their employment. Employees are expected to adhere to the above principles regarding interactions with children in their private lives as well.

When selecting contractors or cooperation partners, the LBI-GMR exercises particular care with regard to the implementation of the guidelines and the Code of Conduct and informs them of these principles.

[1] According to Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are defined as all persons under the age of 18; however, key principles of children’s rights are also relevant during the transitional phase for young adults (up to approximately 21 years of age) (see, for example, Austrian child and youth welfare law and juvenile justice).