ANNEX D
CHILD SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTION POLICY
Version 1.0
1. PURPOSE
Travel Feed Ecosystem SRL, operating under the commercial brand One Pelican®, is committed to protecting the dignity, safety, rights and well-being of every child.
Children have the right to grow up free from abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking and all forms of violence.
This Policy establishes the principles, responsibilities and procedures adopted by the Company to ensure that child protection remains a fundamental element of all its tourism activities.
The Company adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of child abuse or exploitation.
2. SCOPE
This Policy applies to:
employees;
directors;
shareholders acting on behalf of the Company;
tour leaders;
travel consultants;
local representatives;
guides;
drivers;
volunteers;
contractors;
destination management companies;
hotels;
transport providers;
activity providers;
festival organisers;
suppliers;
commercial partners;
affiliates;
travellers participating in Company-operated activities where appropriate.
3. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Policy:
Child means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
Child Abuse includes:
physical abuse;
emotional abuse;
psychological abuse;
sexual abuse;
exploitation;
neglect;
trafficking;
online exploitation;
forced labour;
child marriage;
commercial sexual exploitation.
4. OUR COMMITMENT
One Pelican commits to:
placing child protection at the centre of its social impact strategy;
promoting safe tourism;
supporting responsible travel practices;
refusing cooperation with organisations that facilitate child exploitation;
reporting suspected abuse to competent authorities where legally required;
promoting awareness among staff and suppliers;
encouraging travellers to report safeguarding concerns.
5. ZERO TOLERANCE
The Company has zero tolerance for:
child sexual exploitation;
child trafficking;
child labour contrary to applicable law;
sexual tourism involving minors;
production or distribution of child abuse material;
grooming;
inappropriate contact with children;
purchasing sexual services involving minors;
facilitating any activity that places children at risk.
Any confirmed violation shall result in immediate termination of the business relationship and, where appropriate, reporting to law enforcement authorities.
6. EXPECTED CONDUCT
Employees, suppliers and representatives shall:
treat children with dignity and respect;
avoid behaviour that could reasonably be perceived as inappropriate;
never use abusive language towards children;
avoid unnecessary physical contact;
obtain appropriate consent before photographing children;
respect local child protection laws;
immediately report safeguarding concerns.
7. PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING
Photographs or videos involving children should always respect their dignity and privacy.
Where required by applicable law or local practice:
appropriate consent shall be obtained from a parent, legal guardian or authorised institution;
images shall never be used in a manner that exploits, humiliates or endangers the child.
The Company prohibits the use of children's images for misleading, sensational or exploitative marketing purposes.
8. TRAVELLER RESPONSIBILITIES
Travellers participating in One Pelican experiences are expected to:
respect children encountered during their travels;
avoid behaviour that could place children at risk;
comply with local safeguarding rules;
refrain from giving money directly to children where such practice may contribute to exploitation;
report concerns to the Company's representatives.
9. SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS
The Company seeks to work only with suppliers that demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices.
Suppliers are encouraged to:
maintain child protection procedures;
train relevant personnel;
prohibit child exploitation;
cooperate with lawful investigations;
report safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of commercial relationships.
10. REPORTING CONCERNS
Any employee, supplier or Traveller who becomes aware of conduct that may endanger a child is encouraged to report the matter immediately.
Reports may be made through:
the Company's safeguarding contact;
Customer Support;
local management;
emergency authorities where immediate danger exists.
Reports shall be handled confidentially to the extent permitted by law.
11. INVESTIGATION
Where concerns arise, the Company may:
conduct an internal review;
suspend cooperation with relevant parties;
seek clarification from suppliers;
cooperate with competent authorities;
preserve available evidence where legally appropriate.
The Company does not replace law enforcement agencies but shall cooperate fully where required.
12. NON-RETALIATION
No individual who reports safeguarding concerns in good faith shall be subjected to retaliation solely for making such a report.
Knowingly false or malicious reports may result in appropriate disciplinary or legal action.
13. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The Company shall periodically review this Policy to reflect:
legal developments;
industry best practices;
operational experience;
recommendations from recognised child protection organisations.
14. SOCIAL IMPACT COMMITMENT
One Pelican believes that tourism should contribute positively to children's lives.
Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Company supports programmes aimed at improving children's access to education, nutrition and community development.
These initiatives are financed and managed by Travel Feed Ecosystem SRL and do not create direct legal rights in favour of individual beneficiaries unless expressly stated.
15. CONTACT
Safeguarding concerns may be reported using the official contact details published on the Company's Website.
Where a child appears to be in immediate danger, individuals should contact the appropriate emergency services or competent authorities without delay.