Child Protection Policy
Commitment
IsoGentiX is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children in all contexts where our work brings personnel into contact with communities. The welfare of children is paramount. This policy applies to all directors, employees, contractors, and field partners without exception.
For the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under the age of 18, regardless of local law or custom.
Prohibited conduct
The following are absolutely prohibited:
- Any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse of a child
- Any sexual contact or relationship with a person under 18
- Photographing, filming, or recording children without the explicit written consent of a parent or guardian and the community authority
- Engaging children in work — including as guides, carriers, or data collectors — in any manner that may be harmful, exploitative, or in breach of applicable child labour standards
- Leaving a child unsupervised with IsoGentiX personnel in circumstances that could create risk
Field operations
IsoGentiX field teams operate in rural Madagascar communities where children may be present during community engagement activities. All personnel must ensure that community meetings, FPIC consultations, and data collection activities are conducted in a manner that does not expose children to risk. Where children are present, adult supervision by a community member must be maintained.
Safe recruitment
Where IsoGentiX engages personnel whose role may involve contact with children — including community liaison roles in Madagascar — appropriate background checks and references will be obtained prior to engagement.
Reporting
Any suspected or known harm to a child — whether perpetrated by IsoGentiX personnel or otherwise witnessed in the course of field operations — must be reported immediately to a director. Where local child protection authorities exist and can safely be engaged, the concern will be reported to them. IsoGentiX will cooperate fully with any statutory investigation.
No person will face retaliation for raising a child protection concern in good faith.