ANNOUNCEMENT
As part of our commitment to creating a healthy living and safe working environment, the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy is adopting two new policies: a Child Protection Policy and a Tobacco Free Funding Policy.
There is international recognition that adults who have a formal role in working with or supporting children are in positions of trust and authority. The relationship between an adult and child is not a relationship between equals. Children are dependent on adults to care for and protect them. All engagements and work with children must be guided by a clear Code of Conduct.
Child sex offenders may also seek employment or volunteer placements in organisations that work with children. They might be attracted to working in non-profit organisations or bodies which work on social issues in order to access vulnerable children and to avoid scrutiny.
This policy sends a clear message that child exploitation and abuse are not tolerated and attracts disciplinary and commercial sanctions, as well as criminal penalties under Malaysian laws.
Tobacco companies have targeted non-profit and charity organizations that serve groups that receive less community support such as the arts, LGBTQ community, women, low income, and ethnic communities. They use donations to create and appearance of corporate responsibility and sincere concern for the health and safety of the community.
Accepting tobacco funding is at odds with our concerns surrounding health and social justice. It also threatens and compromises our mission.
Having a written policy will ensure that our organization’s position on this issue is clear and guided.
Both of these Policies are important in ensuring that the Galen Centre’s work while guided by the framework of human rights, also responds to and addresses key issues and concerns which challenge the work of similar organisations around the world.
Azrul Mohd Khalib
Chief Executive Officer