Our Commitment
ACCO is fully committed to the Safeguarding Policies of the Anglican Communion and maintains zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or neglect. This applies to all activities, including Church-led evangelism supported by ACCO.
- All staff, volunteers, and partners must sign and adhere to the Safeguarding Code of Conduct
- All undergo mandatory background checks and safeguarding training
- All are required to report concerns through confidential reporting channels
- All are trained to recognize and prevent abuse in evangelism contexts
Report a Concern — Confidential Channels
Safeguarding: safeguarding@acco-ssd.org
PSEA (confidential): psea@acco-ssd.org
Community feedback: feedback@acco-ssd.org
Hotline numbers: to be published
In person: any ACCO Safeguarding & PSEA Focal Person (names and photos posted in all offices and program sites). Third-party reports may be made through any local partner church or Mothers’ Union chapter.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
In conflict-affected South Sudan, women, girls, orphans, and persons with disabilities are at heightened risk of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. ACCO adopts and enforces the PSEA framework aligned with the Anglican Communion Safeguarding Policy and the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/13).
ACCO’s PSEA Commitments
| Commitment | How ACCO Implements |
|---|---|
| Zero tolerance for SEA | Anyone found to have committed sexual exploitation or abuse is immediately dismissed, reported to legal authorities, and permanently barred from ACCO-related work |
| Prohibition of transactional sex | No ACCO staff or partner may exchange money, food, shelter, or any form of aid for sex or sexual favors |
| Prohibition of sexual relationships with beneficiaries | Strictly prohibited; relationships with beneficiaries over 18 are strongly discouraged and must be disclosed |
| Prohibition of child sexual abuse | Any sexual activity with a person under 18 is prohibited and treated as a criminal offense — ignorance is not an excuse |
| Whistleblower protection | Anyone who reports SEA in good faith is protected from retaliation |
| Confidential reporting pathways | SEA-specific channels available; reports can be made anonymously |
| Survivor-centered approach | Safety, dignity, and rights of survivors come first — medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and safe shelter offered regardless of whether they report to police |
| Referral to legal authorities | All credible SEA allegations reported to South Sudanese law enforcement and relevant UN mechanisms |
Response Standards
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment of report | Within 24 hours |
| Initial safety assessment and survivor support | Within 48 hours |
| Investigation commenced | Within 5 working days |
| Interim protective measures | Immediate |
| Final outcome and action taken | Within 30 days |
Community feedback service standards: all complaints reviewed within 72 hours; response provided within 14 days; annual beneficiary satisfaction surveys conducted and published.
Training Requirements
- All staff, volunteers, and partners sign a PSEA Code of Conduct upon engagement
- Mandatory PSEA training annually and on hire
- Church leaders receive PSEA training before receiving any resources or funding
Consequences for Violations
- Staff/volunteers: immediate dismissal, permanent ban, referral to police
- Partner organizations: termination of partnership, public disclosure of termination, referral to legal authorities
- Church leaders: removal from leadership, referral to diocesan disciplinary processes and to police for criminal acts
“Sexual exploitation and abuse by anyone associated with ACCO — whether staff, volunteer, partner, or church leader — is a gross violation of human dignity, a betrayal of the vulnerable people we serve, and an abomination before God. ACCO will pursue justice relentlessly, protect survivors unconditionally, and exclude perpetrators permanently.” — ACCO’s Stated Position