0:08

NOAH SSEMPIJJA: Well, before we even worry about responding when the case is reported, our thinking is we should have to try as much as possible to prevent any concerns, any offence, any harm happening to the officials. But of course, we are aware that we can’t rule out the fact that the persons will be there, so when they are approaching, the first thing we do is to register a case. We forward a case to the responsible party. And then we assure that this case is registered in our safeguarding register. And then, where possible, we need, we pause the project or ask the staff, whoever that is involved, as long as they are connected to the project, to step outside.

1:00

And then we start to investigate that case.

1:03

PAULAMI DE SARKAR: In DDH, we have a flow chart for raising concern. And once the concern is reported locally, it has to be reported to our headquarters in planning unit. The case will be assessed and opened if relevant. And it will be decided whether the case will be managed at the local level with support from headquarter or managed by the headquarter. The first measures are to ensure protection and support to the potential victims. Whenever possible, cases will be managed by the managerial line to ensure better accountability and buy-in. When managerial measures are not sufficient, the organisation can start the investigation process internally and externally. Each cases also feeds into a continuous learning process with recommendations and action points.

1:57

Victims and whistleblowers are kept up to date at all stages of the investigation process. The organisation also commits to providing them with detailed feedback and support during this process and after the investigation is done.

2:13

ANGELINE FADZAI MANYONGA: So, after a report has been lodged in, we first have to do the investigation. And once the investigation is done and we have all the facts that we need, then we can respond, depending on what kind of support it had been. And then we will include external parties if there is need for that. So, the report, we respond to the allegations of the abuse or whatever the case might be, investigate the concerns about the actions. Then after that, we’ll take action, appropriate action based on the issue at hand.

2:51

And also, since we mentioned that we work with other agencies, that makes it easier for us ever to refer a rapist to the police or to take the woman into safe, into a safe house and give them counselling from the counselling agencies or anything of that nature.

3:10

ANANDA KIGN: We know that working with people implies complexity and not always positive situations, right? That said, we need to develop our work environments to avoid as much as possible every kind of misbehaviour. We cannot neutralise them, but at the same time, we need to assume they will happen. They can happen because human beings’ rape happens. So, the most important is to be able to address prevention in a constant manner. In the event of a complaint, we take it very seriously. We apply a series of principles as confidentiality protection of people affected, and we conduct the dual investigation. When the allegation is confirmed, the organisation applies for personal sanctions according to the severity of the offence.

3:57

Each sanction is adapted to the gravity and/or complexity of the situation in question. The group of people conducting an investigation should be able to understand the case, have sensitivity and technical knowledge to deal with. We can also invite specialists in different areas like law, human rights, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and so on, to complement the conduction of a case.

4:22

KAYLA BRITTAN: I think what is very important and what has working very effectively in our organisation is that we are normalising the reporting system. So, we have internal and external measures. For internal, if anything happens within the organisation, and we have to take the necessary measures, we will do so in an effective way. And then the same with external– that’s if we have to involve social development, social services, the police, anything like that. We have key steps for that.

The contributors highlight the importance of clear procedures, responsibilities and appropriate referring to ensure reports are responded to properly. However, what also comes across strongly is how this should be embedded in the right culture – prevention as a priority; making your response survivor-centred; undertaking internal, administrative investigations; and ensuring you are working with referral pathways and external bodes.

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