Safeguarding & PSEAH
At Partners In Health Lesotho, our mission to provide a preferential option for the poor is grounded in serving vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings. We recognize the power imbalances this creates and are deeply committed to safeguarding all those we serve including patients, program participants, children, and community members from all forms of exploitation, abuse, harassment, neglect, and trafficking.
We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for any form of safeguarding misconduct, including acts committed, unreported, or retaliated against. Our survivor-centered approach places the dignity, experiences, and needs of survivors at the center of our response efforts.
PIH Lesotho has a fully functional Safeguarding and PSEAH Program and Unit, guided by comprehensive policies applicable to all PIH personnel: staff, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and partners across all sites and at all times. These policies are integrated into our Code of Conduct and align with our Complaints and Whistleblower Policy and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy and Procedure.
Safeguarding at PIH means protecting individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults from harm arising from contact with our staff, associates, visitors, and programs. This includes not only sexual abuse and exploitation but also physical, emotional, and psychological harm or neglect.
We recognize our duty to uphold national and international safeguarding standards and affirm the right of every individual regardless of age, gender, ability, identity, or background to be treated with dignity, respect, and protection from harm. PIH Lesotho also values the critical role of families and caregivers in the safeguarding of children and adults and prioritizes working in partnership with them.
Our Safeguarding Department works closely with Human Resources, the Executive Director’s Office, and the Regional Safeguarding Advisor to ensure safeguarding is embedded across all operations. Our Safeguarding Department’s responsibilities include staff training, community awareness, survivor support, and accessible reporting mechanisms. The department also ensures that contractors, consultants, and vendors are held to the same safeguarding standards.
Toka Senkoto Safeguarding Manager and New Security Company on Safeguarding and PSEAH Onboarding intensive training at PIH Lesotho.
Key focus areas of the Safeguarding and PSEAH Program include:
- Implementing safeguarding and PSEAH policies and code of conduct
- Risk mitigation planning
- Survivor-centered support and referral services
- Staff and partner capacity-building
- External advocacy and national collaboration
- Strengthening feedback and reporting mechanisms
- Promoting accountability and continuous learning
All PIH Lesotho staff undergo rigorous pre-employment vetting aligned with our safeguarding standards, including checks for past misconduct related to sexual abuse or harassment. PIH Lesotho is an active member of both the Lesotho Safeguarding Network and the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
At PIH, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and harm-free environment for all those who engage with us.