HIAS Panama organizes a self-care workshop with a group of displaced men in the Lajas Blancas migration reception post on October 22, 2024. (Nadege Mazars for HIAS)
HIAS is dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. With the strength of Jewish communities beside us, we provide vital services and advocate for the rights of displaced people around the world.
We maintain policies and implement processes to ensure people are protected from harm within our organization and through participation in our programs.
In short, we believe we have a responsibility to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and to “do no harm.”
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is how we protect participants and community members from any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or neglect perpetrated by our staff and associated personnel.
HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Zero tolerance requires consistent action and constant vigilance. It is not enough to simply say we don’t tolerate abuse – we must act. HIAS engages our personnel throughout their tenure with us. This includes:
- Safer Recruitment Practices, including background checks and participation in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme
- Regular training on our Safeguarding policies, including:
- Engagement with our participants and communities on our policies and procedures, expectations, rights, and responsibilities through training, ongoing discussions, and postings of critical information.
- Investment in staff with specialized knowledge and experience, such as our Safeguarding focal points in programmatic locations, supported by the Global Safeguarding Team.
- Implementing programming in alignment with sector best practices and participating in external accountability mechanisms such as CHS Alliance.
- Availability of multiple safe and confidential feedback mechanisms.
Reporting
As part of our zero-tolerance policy, HIAS is committed to swiftly and safely responding to safeguarding concerns that are brought to our attention. Concerns can be reported through the following confidential channels:
- Online: hias.ethicspoint.com
- Email: ethics@hias.org
- Phone: 1-888-208-3101
Reports can be submitted in any language and anonymously. HIAS’ Whistleblowing Policy protects anyone reporting a safeguarding concern, or with a reasonable belief that trafficking has occurred, from any form of retaliation or negative employment consequences.
Contact
Have a general question about safeguarding at HIAS? Feel free to contact our team at safeguarding@hias.org.
