Rahnuma-FPAP

Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable

Adults

Policy on Protection and Empowerment of

Children and Young People and Vulnerable
Adults(PPECYPVA)
The Organizations Commitment and Guiding Principles
1. The purpose of this policy is to provide a set of guiding principles
that volunteers and staff in Rahnuma-FPAP can follow in order to
prevent abuse, promote ethical practices and generally create a
safe environment for children1 and young people2 and vulnerable
adults3.
2. Respecting, protecting and fulfilling the sexual and reproductive
health and rights of young people which include the right to be free
from all forms of abuse or harassment and the right to participate in
decisions that affect their lives, now forms an important component
of Rahnuma-FPAPs Strategic Framework.
3. Rahnuma-FPAP believes that all forms of child abuse4 are violations
of childrens rights and all children have the right to be protected
from abuse as provided for in the 1989 United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC 1989)5.

1
2

A child means every human being below the age of eighteen years.
The term young people refers to the composite age group 10 24 also recognized by the World Health
Organization and the IPPF.
The World Health Organization uses the 10-19 year age range to define adolescence.

Vulnerable adult refers to a person, 18 years and above, who may be regarded as susceptible
to harm and at increased risk due to personal circumstances, the context they are in or as a result
of social and other inequalities and as a result or in addition, are not in a position to

adequately protect themselves.

4

Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse,
neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the
childs health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.
5
The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) provides the basis for further strengthening the
commitment towards protecting young people from exploitation and abuse.

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Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
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4. Rahnuma-FPAPs commitment to the protection6 of children and

young people and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse is in line
with the goals of the IPPF Youth Manifesto7, IPPF Policy on Meeting
the Needs of Young People, the IPPF Charter on Sexual and
Reproductive Rights and IPPF Declaration on Sexual Rights.
5. In its work with and for children and young people, Rahnuma-FPAP
affirms the rights of the child, young people and venerable adults
and recognises children, young people and vulnerable adults as the
future of the country and mankind and is therefore committed to:
(i)

promotion of ethical practices and behaviour among

volunteers and staff;

(ii)

protection from all forms of physical or mental

violence, injury, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation of
children, young people and vulnerable adults .

(iii)
(iv)

6.

prevention of abuse and exploitation/violence.

empowerment of children, young people
vulnerable adults to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives.

and

Rahnuma-FPAP believes that:

(i)

Children, young people and vulnerable adults are particularly

vulnerable to violence, exploitation and maltreatment, and are
susceptible to wrong and potentially harmful information.

(ii)

Young People and vulnerable adults need accurate information

and education on sexual and reproductive health and rights;
and particularly they need access to youth-friendly health
services8.

Child protection is a term that describes policies, standards, systems, guidelines and procedures that seek to
protect children from harm which can be physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual or any form of
neglect. Harm can be caused by staff, primary or secondary caregivers, aid workers and others who come into
contact with children in their line of work.
7
The IPPF Youth Manifesto is one of the guiding principles of the work of the organization and is reflected in
its work with adolescents and young people.
8

Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services are offered to all young clients without discrimination
irrespective of their age or marital status. They are offered at convenient times for young people and are
either free of charge or offered at an affordable cost. They provide accurate information to young people and
guarantee confidentiality, privacy and a non-judgmental environment. They also make young people feel
welcome, safe and comfortable.

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Rahnuma-FPAP
Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
Adults
(iii) Child abuse, exploitation or maltreatment in any form is never

acceptable; the abuse may be physical, emotional and sexual,

negligence, or may constitute any act resulting in harm or
potential harm to the childs health, dignity, development and
survival.
(iv) It will not differentiate or discriminate on the basis of gender,

age, race, class, beliefs, disability, marital status, gender

identity, medical condition, residence urban or rural, culture,
or marginalization of any child or young person in any form.
(v)

7.

Information enabling children, young people and vulnerable

adults to feel comfortable and confident about their bodies
and sexual reproductive health should be accessible to them
in accordance to their evolving capacities9.

Rahnuma-FPAP aims to:

(i)

Work to promote meaningful youth participation10 within the

organisation and will advocate for the same.

(ii) Children, Young People and vulnerable adults have the right to
protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation; and the
organisation will not allow harmful cultural and traditional
practices to be used as barriers in violation of their rights.
(iii) Strengthen programmes pertaining to Sexual Reproduce
Health and Rights of young people and vulnerable adults and
involve young people and vulnerable adults in decision
making, designing, implementing and evaluating programmes.

Each young person gradually develops the ability to take full responsibility for their own actions and
decisions. This happens at a different pace for different young people. At any given age, some young people
will be more mature and experienced than others. Social inequities also influence young peoples capacities.
Thus, striking the right balance between protection and autonomy is a complex process that requires looking
at the individual capacity of each young person, rather than focusing on someones age.
10
Meaningful youth participation refers to a range of processes that empower young people to take an active
role in decision-making. It enables young people to take up leadership roles in identifying, addressing and
promoting the issues that matter most in their lives. Youth participation is about young people working in
equal partnership with adults and supporting each other to achieve mutual benefits.
Young people are involved in all stages of the decision-making and policymaking, design, implementation
and evaluation of a programme or activity. It may also mean changing the way things happen in order to
make sure that young people can fully participate (e.g. holding meetings at times that dont conflict with
school schedules). On-going capacity building for young people is essential for young people to gain the
knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful participation.

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Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
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(iv) Promote awareness on Sexual Reproduce Health and Rights

related issues faced by young people, vulnerable adults and
facilitate access to Sexual Reproduce Health services.
(v) Provide
quality
youth
friendly
services
to
all,
ensuring/including confidentiality and privacy and without any
discrimination.
(vi) Reach out to marginalised, vulnerable and high risk groups,
for example out of school children, juvenile prisoners, sex
workers, clients of sex workers, physically challenged young
people, students at Madaris (Religious schools) and survivors
of child/forced marriages among others.
(vii) Advocate for SRHR services for adolescent, young people and
vulnerable adults, keeping various socio-cultural and
economic conditions in mind, at Federal and Provincial levels
of the Government of Pakistan for revision in policies, laws,
strategies and their implementation to create safe
environment for children, young people and vulnerable of the
same.
(viii)Provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and
rights information and education11 through:
a. Educational programmes designed to improve the quality
of life of young people and vulnerable adults.
b. A right-based and gender-sensitive approach for both
formal and informal settings; bridging the gap between
awareness and knowledge of family planning and
contraceptive practices.
c. A holistic approach to emotional, mental, physical and
social wellbeing and development of a young person,
keeping various socio-cultural and economic conditions in
mind.
11

Comprehensive sexuality education is essential for young people to develop healthy and fulfilling lives. It
refers to the access to information and education about sexuality and the knowledge and skills necessary to
enjoy life in a healthy and positive way. Comprehensive sexuality education must include information on
gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, citizenship, pleasure, violence, and
relationships for all young people. Comprehensive sexuality education offers information on a full range of
possibilities for young people to enjoy a healthy sexual and reproductive life. The important outcome of
comprehensive sexuality education is young peoples access to accurate information, which is a fundamental
right on its own.

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Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
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d. Empowering young people and vulnerable adults to make

informed decisions and enjoy a healthy life free from STIs,
HIV and AIDS, sexual violence, child forced marriage and
unwanted pregnancies.

Policy Implementation
8.

In line with this policy, the organization and its service network is
required to raise awareness among volunteers, peers and staff to
implement the following:
(i)

Adhere to the principles of UNCRC on the suitability of

volunteers and staff (including peer educators) working
directly/indirectly with children, young people and vulnerable
adults.

(ii)

Training on Code of Conduct (to be developed) for

Rahnuma-FPAP volunteers, and staff on protecting children,
young people and vulnerable adults.

(iii)

Evaluation of the staff and volunteer is conducted on

regular basis; with feedback from young people and
vulnerable adults in the evaluation and assessment process.

(iv)

All young people and vulnerable adults working with

Rahnuma-FPAP will be made aware of this policy and code of
conduct outlined by the Organisation.

(v)

Rahnuma-FPAP will encourage open lines of communication

and an atmosphere of support.

(vi)

Ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults

are not portrayed through information and images in a
harmful manner, nor they be manipulated for further gains
that have no benefits for them.

(vii)

No personal or physical information of a child or young

person and vulnerable adults will be advertised which can be
used to identify the child/young person and vulnerable adults
or could put them at risk.

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Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
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9.

(viii)

There will be a specific section in the organizations HR

Manual, for reporting, investigating and acting on cases of
abuse and harassment of children, young people and
vulnerable adults; and a well-defined complaint structure and
system to process all complaints effectively and efficiently.

(ix)

There will be a standardised procedure for recruitment in

Rahnuma-FPAP, which will include screening for child abuse
and the successful candidate will be asked to sign a personal
declaration on criminal convictions, if any.

(x)

The induction process for new recruits will include Policy on

PPECYPVA principles, procedures and guidelines.

(xi)

A poster on this policy will be put on display at all

Rahnuma-FPAP offices which will outline salient features of the
policy and protocol and will carry reporting procedures, a
complaint box and a phone number for complaints.

(xii)

There will be a qualified designated person on PPECYPVA in

the Head Office and the regional offices, who will be
authorised
to
ensure
proper
and
effective
policy
implementation.

(xiii)

In the case of abuse, the Rahnuma-FPAP will take

appropriate and immediate steps, to protect the child, young
person and vulnerable adults from further harm.

(xiv)

Rahnuma-FPAP management or governance will not

interfere in the investigation process and will remain neutral
and unbiased in the case of a complaint or report of abuse or
harassment.

(xv)

In the case of a serious allegation on a Rahnuma-FPAP staff

or volunteer the accused individual/s is to be immediately
suspended or transferred to prevent further harm, pending an
outcome of the investigation committee and will be
terminated if found guilty.

It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer and

National Executive Committee, to ensure compliance with the

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Rahnuma-FPAP
Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
Adults

guidelines and procedures to meet the principles set out in this

policy.

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Rahnuma-FPAP
Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
Adults

Annex i
Rahnuma-FPAP recognizes that:
(i)

Pakistan currently has the largest group of young people (Ages

10 24) in its history with nearly 54.2 million individuals
almost 60% of its total population. In 2025, the number of this
age group will further increase to 64.8 Million (PRB 2008).

(ii) Rahnuma-FPAP also recognizes youth and children as the

future of Pakistan and hence realizes their right to proper
grooming and development to be able to share their utmost to
the society, and encourage them to know their rights and
respect the rights of others.
(iii) According to UNICEF, it is estimated that 15-25% of children
under 18 years are sexually abused and one-third marriages
carried out are of children under the age of 18. Within an
overall context of high maternal mortality and morbidity,
adolescents are at particular risk. UNFPA studies show only
29% of girls and 41% of boys aged 15-19 years are informed
about the developmental changes associated with puberty
and only 30% of girls in the same age bracket have ever heard
of HIV and AIDS. Pakistani children and adolescents are
exposed to all of the risks associated with HIV/AIDS, including
the risk of infection, as well as the vulnerability to losing a
parent to the disease.
(iv) In Pakistan, legally Child Marriages are prohibited under the
Child Marriages Restraint Act, 1929 (CMRA). Although CMRA
makes child marriages illegal, the punishment under this law
act is minimal (one month imprisonment and/or a fine of PRS.
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1000 = $ 12 approx) for marrying an adult person, the person

who solemnizes the marriage and for the person who is the
guardian/parent of the child. The law does not serve to nullify
the marriage. Child marriage is widely practiced across the
country and is reinforced by customs that commodify young
girls. There is also no law on marital rape in the country.
Further, the minimum age for marriage is 16 years for girls
and 18 years for boys. Pregnancy-related deaths are also the
leading cause of mortality in 1519-year old girls and these
girls are more likely to suffer from maternal morbidities such
as debilitating obstetric fistula. Children of child mothers are
more likely to be premature and have low birth weight and
infant deaths are twice as high in babies of very young
mothers.

(v) The draft Health Policy 2009 does not include adolescents
health issues nor does the Youth Policy 2008 refer to sexual
health, it rather mentions reproductive health needs of young
people above the age of 18. Those under 18 fall in the policy
gap and remain invisible.
(vi) In Pakistan, Sexual and Reproductive Health Education has not
been incorporated in the school or college curricula, Sexual
and Reproductive Health Education can complete an existing
curriculum in and out of school. There are many opportunities
for delivering SRH Education in addition to the formal
classroom and health service settings.
(vii) High risk groups including out-of-school children, street
children, sex workers, transgendered, HIV/ADIS infected and
Sawra or Vani or other victims of local harmful traditions are

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Policy on Protection and Empowerment of Children, Young People and Vulnerable
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further marginalized and susceptible to exploitation; they are

also less likely to gain access to health and SRH services.

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