Policy
By Lilian U. Okoro
Lagos, Oct. 13, 2026 (NAN) The Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), has strengthened its safeguarding commitment through a policy review and staff capacity-building workshop.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop followed the review and approval of the organisation’s updated Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy by its Board.
The initiative aims to strengthen staff awareness, promote accountability and ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding standards across the organisation’s programmes and activities.
The session was facilitated by Clara Kanu, Executive Director of CAPRIGHTS-VP, and Vivian Emesowum, Executive Director of the Grassroot People and Gender Development Centre, in Lagos on Tuesday.
Kanu said safeguarding was not merely a policy requirement but a fundamental responsibility, particularly when working with women, girls, children and other vulnerable groups.
She noted that sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment undermined human dignity, safety and rights, while eroding trust between communities and organisations established to serve them.
“Safeguarding requires more than the existence of a policy; it requires organisational commitment, staff awareness, clear accountability and consistent application of established standards,” she said.
She explained that the updated PSEAH Policy provided a framework for preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment while clarifying staff responsibilities.
Contributing, Emesowum emphasised that safeguarding was a shared responsibility requiring commitment from all staff members, rather than a duty belonging solely to management.
She said regular policy reviews were necessary to ensure safeguarding standards remained relevant and responsive to the changing needs and risks faced by beneficiary communities.
“CAPRIGHTS-VP safeguarding commitment complemented its broader work in community engagement, advocacy, education, legal support and empowerment, particularly for women and girls facing discrimination and violence,” she said.
Emesowum reaffirmed organisation’s commitment to strengthening staff awareness, reviewing policies and promoting accountability.
She said, “every person who engages with CAPRIGHTS-VP programmes, services and activities deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and protected from exploitation, abuse and harassment.”(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
Source: News Agency of Nigeria
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