Safeguarding & PSEAH
Protecting People. Preventing Harm. Upholding Dignity.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) is firmly committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone who engages with our programmes. Safeguarding is not optional—it is a core responsibility that underpins how we design, implement, and monitor all activities.
NEPWHAN maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), gender-based violence, abuse of power, or any conduct that places children or adults at risk. We recognize that power imbalances can exist in humanitarian and development work, and we take deliberate steps to prevent harm, address risks, and act decisively when concerns arise.
What Safeguarding Means at NEPWHAN
Safeguarding at NEPWHAN refers to the systems, behaviours, and actions that protect people from harm while accessing or delivering services. It encompasses prevention, early identification of risks, safe reporting, and survivor-centred response.
This includes:
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- Preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment
- Protecting children and adults at risk
- Ensuring dignity, respect, and informed consent
- Holding individuals and institutions accountable for misconduct
Safeguarding is integrated across NEPWHAN’s programmes to ensure that no one is harmed as a result of our work.
Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH)
NEPWHAN adopts internationally recognized definitions of PSEAH in line with Global Fund and United Nations standards.
Sexual exploitation is the abuse of a position of power, trust, or vulnerability for sexual purposes. Sexual abuse involves actual or threatened sexual acts without consent. Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advance, request, or conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Such actions are strictly prohibited, regardless of perceived consent, contractual status, or position of authority.
Who This Applies To
Safeguarding and PSEAH obligations apply to everyone associated with NEPWHAN, including staff, management, consultants, volunteers, interns, implementing partners, contractors, Community Rights Advocates, and community volunteers.
All individuals representing NEPWHAN are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct at all times.
Our Safeguarding Principles
NEPWHAN’s safeguarding approach is guided by five core principles:
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- Survivor-Centred Approach – We prioritize the safety, dignity, confidentiality, and choices of survivors. Survivors decide if, when, and how to report, and no one is pressured to take action.
- Do No Harm – All responses aim to minimize risk, prevent retraumatization, and protect those affected.
- Confidentiality – Information is handled with strict discretion and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
- Accountability – All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and addressed through appropriate action.
- No Retaliation – NEPWHAN does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith.
Reporting Safeguarding and PSEAH Concerns
Anyone can report a safeguarding or PSEAH concern related to NEPWHAN-supported activities. You do not need evidence or proof to make a report—concerns raised in good faith are sufficient.
Reports should be made if you:
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- Experience or witness sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment
- Observe inappropriate behaviour or abuse of authority
- Suspect harm to a child or adult at risk
- Feel unsafe during NEPWHAN-supported activities
Reports can be made confidentially through NEPWHAN safeguarding focal persons, state offices, Community Rights Advocates, or designated reporting channels. Anonymous reporting is accepted where possible.
What Happens After a Report
When a safeguarding or PSEAH concern is reported, NEPWHAN responds with urgency and care.
Our response prioritizes:
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- Immediate safety and protection of the survivor
- Access to appropriate medical, psychosocial, legal, or protection services
- Confidential and impartial review of the concern
- Corrective, disciplinary, or administrative action where required
- Reporting to donors or statutory authorities when necessary
Survivors are supported throughout the process and kept informed, in line with their wishes and consent.
Safeguarding Across NEPWHAN Programmes
Safeguarding is embedded across all NEPWHAN interventions, including:
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Community Systems Strengthening (CSS)
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Community-Led Monitoring (CLM)
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Gender & Human Rights (GHR)
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PMTCT and Mentor Mother programmes
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Community outreach, advocacy, and service delivery
All programmes integrate safeguarding risk assessments, staff training, and referral pathways.
Our Commitment to Communities
NEPWHAN believes that safe programmes build trust, improve participation, and strengthen impact. We work closely with communities to raise awareness about safeguarding, promote respectful engagement, and ensure people know their rights and reporting options.
No one should fear harm while accessing health or human rights services.
Speak Up
Your safety matters. Your voice matters.
If you have a safeguarding or PSEAH concern, please report it.
NEPWHAN will listen, act responsibly, and protect your dignity.
Our PSEAH Reporting Channels:
NEPWHAN PSEAH Focal Person:
+234 902 713 5445
The Global Fund Reporting Channel
Hotline: +1 704-541-6918
hotline@theglobalfund.org
report.seah@theglobalfund.org
seah@theglobalfund.org
www.ispeakoutnow.org