• Based on principles of "Human Security", we recognize our obligation to treat each individuals with respect, and provide the utmost support of the organization based on a thorough needs assessment of those in difficulties.
• Our actions follow the four humanitarian principles – humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence –, the Code of Conduct^*1 and other humanitarian standards^*2.
• We stand independent of any political persuasion or religious creed.
• We endeavor to ensure transparency of our actions, and conduct proper disclosure of information.
• We endeavor to learn the tradition, custom, culture and history of the communities and countries we are working in, and respect them even at times of emergency.
• We endeavor to deliver assistance that can support the locally-led community development.
• We endeavor to enhance our security and crisis management capacity in order to deliver humanitarian assistance in high-risk areas.
• Through various means including awareness raising and advocacy, we endeavor to foster understanding on global issues both within and outside the organization, recognizing its significance.
• We propose several means of participation and donation, in order for all to have a sense of contribution to world’s peace and stability.

*1. Refers to "The Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief".
*2. Refers to Group URD, CHS Alliance, The Sphere Project "Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response", "Sphere Handbook"

Preamble

AAR Japan [Association for Aid and Relief, Japan] aims to realize a sustainable society where all people, as diverse human beings, can coexist in harmony while maintaining their uniqueness and human dignity. Under this vision, we have been implementing international cooperation activities from a humanitarian perspective around the world, incorporating the viewpoint of "human security"^*.Recognizing that its decisions and actions could affect directly and indirectly all people and societies involved in its activities, AAR hereby reiterates its respect for the human rights of all people, including the beneficiaries of its activities, residents in surrounding areas, AAR's supporters, volunteers, directors and employees.

* The perspective of "human security" is a concept that, with focuses on each human being, aims to protect people from all threats and fears which might affect their survival, lives, and dignity, and to promote a sustainable society and personal independence through protection and empowerment. Based on this idea, AAR conducts international cooperation activities from the perspective of people who are in difficult situations for various reasons. In addition, AAR aims to strengthen its ability to respond to potential future threats with the participation of local staff, the beneficiaries of its activities, and people in surrounding areas.

AAR Japan Human Rights Policies

Based on the vision set forth above, AAR will work under the following 10 human rights policies. Responsibility for respecting human rights lies with all of AAR directors, staff members and volunteers at both domestic and overseas offices, and we will advocate respect for human rights to the governments, counterparts, partners, donors and other stakeholders with whom AAR may exert influence.

1. We recognize the importance of respect for human rights and uphold the following international agreements and initiatives.

2. We respect international norms, local laws and regulations, endeavor to learn and understand the culture, custom, religion and values of the communities and countries we are working in, and will not discriminate or violate human rights on the basis of race, color, sex, age, language, property, nationality, country of origin, religion, ethnical or societal origin, caste, financial background, disability, pregnancy, indigenous origin, trade union membership, political affiliation, political opinions, opinions on other matters, marital status, family situation, private relationships, health condition, etc. We will not engage in any activities which violate human rights such as child labor, forced labor, violence against women and girls in armed conflict.

3. In assisting refugees and internally displaced persons due to armed conflict or disasters, AAR recognizes "refugees" in broader terms than the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees which defines it as"(a person who) owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country..." Considering all those who are in more adverse situations, or the most vulnerable as "refugees", AAR shall endeavor to support them and give due consideration to human rights of refugees and their host community members.

4. We work to realize a society where persons with disability including landmine survivors can equally participate in, respecting their decision-making.

5. In coping with infectious diseases, we will not have prejudice nor discriminate against patients, recovered patients and their families based on false/biased information about the diseases. We work to improve the human rights situation undermined by authorities, local communities and other stakeholders.

6. We do not make statements or actions that may approve human rights violations while providing educational activities (education for international understanding). We endeavor to deepen the participants' understanding of the respect for human rights at AAR events and seminars.

7. We respect privacy and authority of our supporters and treat personal information with the utmost care and attention.

8. We recognize that sexual harassment and power harassment are harmful to human dignity and will not engage in such conduct. In the incident of harassment or human rights troubles, we will utilize internal consultation desk and external counseling services to address the issue properly.

9. We respect basic human rights and make rigorous and impartial selections based on competence and aptitude of applicants in recruitment.

10. If it becomes clear that we have taken actions or have been involved in conducts against this policy during or outside working hours, we take necessary measures to prevent recurrence through due process and strive for the higher standard of conduct.p>

13 June 2015
AAR Japan

AAR Japan's Approach to Social Responsibility

When it comes to social responsibility, people tend to focus only on the CSR activities of corporations. However, in order to realize a sustainable society, all organizations have a responsibility, not just corporations, and NGOs are no exception. AAR will not only aim to solve social issues through its support activities, but will also fulfill its social responsibility as an organization by interacting with various stakeholders.

ISO 26000 (Guidance on Social Responsibility)

ISO 26000 is an international standard that defines the social responsibility of all organizations, including corporations and NGOs. AAR President HORIE Yoshiteru served as a domestic member of the "ISO/SR Domestic Committee" (a committee to deliberate on ISO 26000 in Japan) and was deeply involved in its formulation.

1. Policy Statement

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (hereinafter PSEAH) is a term used by the international humanitarian and development communities to refer to measures taken to protect people from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment by their own staff and associated personnel¹.

Sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment are a violation of fundamental human rights and have always been unacceptable behavior. Association for Aid and Relief, Japan [AAR], as a humanitarian and development organization with its mission to assist those affected by hardships such as conflicts, natural disasters and impoverishments, believe that all people have a right to live their lives free from sexual violence and any abuse of power regardless of ability, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality or culture. AAR is aware that we have access to goods and services that put us in a position of power over at-risk children and adults in the communities and that this power imbalance heightens the risk of inducing the occurrence of SEAH.

AAR has a zero-tolerance policy toward SEAH and a responsibility to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect. Every staff member working for AAR and our partner organizations must always uphold the highest standards of behavior and accountability with everyone we encounter at all times.

This PSEAH Global Policy outlines both expectations and requirements for AAR employees, our partners, and any individuals related to AAR's work.

2. Scope

This Policy is applicable to all individuals and organizations associated with AAR, whether having contractual relationship with AAR. This includes employed staff, directors, volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors, suppliers, vendors, visitors (e.g., journalists, researchers), and any other relevant individuals and organizations not included in the above-mentioned categories. The Policy applies both during and outside working hours.

3. Definition

3.1 Sexual Exploitation²
Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power or trust for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

3.2 Sexual Abuse³
Actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

3.3 Sexual Harassment⁴
Any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person⁵.

4. Basic Principles⁶

In order to protect people from SEAH and to ensure the integrity of AAR activities, the following principles must be adhered to:

4.1 SEAH constitute acts of serious misconduct and are therefore grounds for disciplinary measures⁷.

4.2 Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age majority or age of consent locally under the applicable national legislation. Mistaken belief in the age of the child is not a defense.

4.3 Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance.

4.4 Sexual activity with beneficiaries of assistance or with sex workers in contexts even if legal is prohibited, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics and may undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of AAR.

4.5 Where an AAR staff or associate has concerns or suspicions regarding SEAH by a fellow staff⁸, he or she is obliged to report such concerns or suspicions to AAR through the established reporting mechanisms;

4.6 AAR staff and associates are expected to create and maintain an environment that prevents SEAH. Senior Management has a particular responsibility to support and develop systems that prevent and respond to SEAH, which maintain a safe environment by promoting a culture of open discussion and dialogue among members.

5. Approach to PSEAH

AAR is committed to preventing and combating SEAH through prevention, reporting, and responding detailed in the following clauses. Examples of detailed procedures are attached as Annex (Procedural Guidelines) to be tailored according to the needs and capacity of each office.

6. Prevention

AAR ensures that all AAR staff and associates are aware of the high standards of behavior and adopt exemplary behavior to create, strengthen, and maintain healthy environments and minimize the risks of SEAH. This includes, but is not limited to, promoting awareness among AAR staff and associates and people in the communities, conducting safe staff recruitment, building safe projects and programs and ensuring good practice when using media.

7. Reporting

7.1 All AAR staff and associates are obliged to report immediately any actual or possible SEAH by AAR staff or associates and have a duty to cooperate in investigation processes. One who has witnessed any actual or possible SEAH must report to, consult with, or file complaint in accordance with the Procedural Guidelines. It is strongly advised that he or she prepares detailed written records of all incidents when reporting.

7.2 AAR will not allow any deliberate reporting of false or malicious allegations. False or malicious reporting shall be grounds for severe disciplinary action.

8. Responding

8.1 When any actual or possible SEAH is reported, immediate action must be taken to address the incident in accordance with the Procedural Guidelines while ensuring confidentiality of all parties.

8.2 When allegations of SEAH are substantiated, strict measures including disciplinary actions will be imposed in accordance with the work regulations and other relevant policies and measures to prevent recurrence.

8.3 AAR will not allow any disadvantageous treatment of staff or others as a reprisal for consulting or reporting SEAH or cooperating in investigation process.

9. Related Documents

- AAR Vision, Mission and Code of Conduct
- Human Rights Policy
Approved Date: 29 October 2021
Approved by: Yoshiteru Horie

1 CHS Alliance, 2020, PSEAH Implementation Quick Reference Handbook, October, 2020, pp. 6
2 United Nations Secretariat, Secretary General's Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13), 9 October 2003
3 ibid
4 Commitments made by donors to tackle sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment in the international aid sector, October 2018. (https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda/files/000469200.pdf)
5 Staff who sexually harass another staff are subject to procedures stated under the Anti-Harassment Policy. Staff who are subjected to sexual harassment may do their complaints by using the mechanism stated in the Policy.
6 Adapted from UN Secretary General's Bulletin (ST/SGB/2013/13)
7 Disciplinary measures, for their nature, apply to contracted staff. In the event that SEAH is committed by those associated with AAR with no employment relationship, i.e., directors, visitors, suppliers, partner organizations; they shall be subject to other actions relevant to the nature of their relationship with AAR, such as termination of appointment as director, immediate cancellation of and future ban of visits to AAR's project sites, termination of supplier contracts and partnership, etc.
8 Regarding SEAH allegations by personnel outside AAR, AAR staff and associates are encouraged to report to relevant complaints handling bodies through external reporting mechanism.

1. Policy Statement

Child Safeguarding (hereinafter CS) is the responsibility that organizations have to ensure that their staff, operations and programs "do no harm" to children and that any concern the organization has about children's safety within the communities in which they work are reported to the appropriate authorities¹.

Association for Aid and Relief, Japan [AAR], as a humanitarian and development organization with its mission to assist those affected by hardships such as conflicts, natural disasters and impoverishments, recognizes that all children have equal rights to protection from all forms of violence or abuse irrespective of ability, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality and culture. AAR also acknowledges that children are more vulnerable to abuse, violence, and exploitation due to various factors including poverty, inequality, negative cultural practices, and humanitarian crises and that every actor who is responsible for protecting children may also cause harm to them.

Therefore, AAR is committed to putting robust CS systems in place to ensure that all children whom AAR comes into contact with or have an impact on, will be safeguarded and not be put at risk of harm.

This CS Global Policy outlines both expectations and requirements for AAR employees, its partners and any individuals associated with its work.

2. Scope

This Policy is applicable to all individuals and organizations related to AAR, either having any formal or informal contractual relationship with AAR. This includes directly employed staff, directors, volunteers, interns, consultants, contractors, suppliers, vendors, visitors (e.g., journalists, researchers), and any other relevant individuals and organizations not included in the above-mentioned categories. The Policy applies both during and outside working hours.

3. Definition

3.1 Child²:
Any individual under the age of 18, irrespective of local country definitions of when a child reaches adulthood.

3.2 Child Safeguarding³:
The responsibility that organizations have to ensure their staff, operations and programs "do no harm" children and that any concerns the organizations has about children's safety within the communities in which they work are reported to the appropriate authorities.

3.3 Child Abuse⁴:
Child abuse, sometimes also referred to as child maltreatment, is defined as all forms of intentional or unintentional acts resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. It includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse and any sexual or commercial exploitation of children. They may be abused in a family, an institution, community or faith setting, or via social media/internet. They may be harmed by an adult or adults or other child or children.

a. Physical Abuse:
Actual or potential physical harm perpetrated by another person, adult or child. It may involve, but is not limited to, hitting, shaking, poisoning, drowning and burning.

b. Sexual Abuse:
Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities that he or she does not fully understand and has little choice in consenting to. This may include, but is not limited to, rape, oral sex, penetration, or non- penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching. It may also include involving children in looking at, or producing sexual images, watching sexual activities and encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

c. Sexual Exploitation of a Child:
A form of sexual abuse that involves children being engaged in any sexual activity in exchange for money, gifts, food, accommodation, affection, status, or anything else that they or their family needs. It usually involves a child being manipulated or coerced, which may involve befriending children, gaining their trust, and subjecting them to drugs and alcohol. The abusive relationship between child survivor and perpetrator involves an imbalance of power where the child survivor's options are limited.

d. Neglect/ Negligent Treatment:
A persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, which is likely to result in serious impairment of a child's healthy physical, spiritual, moral and mental development. It includes the failure to properly supervise and protect children from harm and provide for nutrition, shelter and safe living/working conditions. It may also involve maternal neglect during pregnancy as a result of drug or alcohol misuse and the neglect and ill treatment of a child with disability.

e. Emotional Abuse:
Persistent emotional maltreatment that impacts on a child's emotional development. Emotionally abusive acts include restriction of movement, degrading, humiliating, bullying (including cyber bullying), and threatening, scaring, discriminating, ridiculing or other non-physical forms of hostile or rejecting treatment.

f. Commercial Exploitation:
Exploiting a child in work or other activities for the benefit of others and to the detriment of the child's physical or mental health, education, moral or social-emotional development. It includes, but is not limited to, child labor.

All types of child abuse defined above will be referred to as child abuse and all types of child exploitation as child exploitation hereinafter in the context of this Policy.

4. Basic Principles

In order to protect children from any form of violence, abuse, or exploitation and to ensure the integrity of AAR activities, the following principles must be adhered to:

4.1 Child abuse and exploitation constitute acts of serious misconduct and are therefore grounds for disciplinary measures⁵.

4.2 Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of consent locally under the applicable national legislation. Mistaken belief in the age of the child is not a defense.

4.3 AAR staff and associates must uphold the highest standards of behavior towards children both in their private and professional lives. AAR staff and associates have a responsibility to understand, abide by, and promote the Policy. They must do all that they can to prevent, report and respond appropriately to any concerns or potential breaches of the Policy.

4.4 Children are part of CS processes. AAR ensures that children understand their rights and are made aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior towards them and what they can do if there is a problem or a concern.

4.5 Where an AAR staff or associate has concerns or suspicions regarding child abuse or exploitation by a fellow staff⁶, he or she is obliged to report such concerns or suspicions to AAR through the established reporting mechanisms;

4.6 AAR staff and associates are expected to create and maintain an environment that prevents child abuse and exploitation. Senior Management has a particular responsibility to support and develop systems that prevent and respond to child abuse and exploitation, which maintain a safe environment by promoting a culture of open discussion and dialogue among members.

5. Approach to CS

AAR is committed to preventing and combating child abuse and exploitation through prevention, reporting, and responding detailed in the following clauses. Examples of detailed procedures are attached as Annex (Procedural Guidelines) to be tailored according to the needs and capacity of each office.

6. Prevention

AAR ensures that all AAR staff and associates are aware of the high standards of behavior and adopt exemplary behavior to create, strengthen, and maintain healthy environments and minimize the risks of child abuse and exploitation. This includes, but is not limited to, promoting awareness among AAR staff and associates and people in the communities, conducting safe staff recruitment, building safe projects and programs and ensuring good practice when using media.

7. Reporting

7.1 All AAR staff and associates are obliged to report immediately any actual or possible child abuse or exploitation by AAR staff or associates and have a duty to cooperate in investigation process. One who has witnessed any actual or possible child abuse or exploitation must report, consult or file complaint in accordance with the procedural Guidelines. It is strongly advised that he or she prepares detailed written records of all incidents when reporting.

7.2 AAR will not allow any deliberate reporting of false or malicious allegations. False or malicious reporting shall be grounds for severe disciplinary action.

8. Responding

8.1 When any actual or possible child abuse or exploitation is reported, immediate action must be taken to address the incident in accordance with the Procedural Guidelines while ensuring confidentiality of all parties.

8.2 When allegations of child abuse or exploitation are substantiated, strict measures including disciplinary actions will be imposed in accordance with the work regulations and other relevant policies and measures to prevent recurrence.

8.3 AAR will not allow any disadvantageous treatment of staff or others as a reprisal for consulting or reporting CS concerns, or cooperating in investigation process.

9. Related Documents

- AAR Vision, Mission and Code of Conduct
- Human Rights Policy
Approved Date: 29 October 2021
Approved by: Yoshiteru Horie

1 Keeping Children Safe, Understanding Child Safeguarding, 2014, pp.28.
2 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
3 Keeping Children Safe, 2014. Understanding Child Safeguarding, pp.28.
4 Keeping Children Safe, 2014. Understanding Child Safeguarding, pp.24-25.
5 Disciplinary measures, for their nature, apply to contracted staff. In the event that child abuse is committed by those associated with AAR with no employment relationship, i.e., directors, visitors, suppliers, partner organizations; they shall be subject to other actions relevant to the nature of their relationship with AAR, such as termination of appointment as director, immediate cancellation of and future ban of visits to AAR's project sites, termination of supplier contracts and partnership, etc.
6 Regarding child abuse/exploitation allegations by personnel outside AAR, AAR staff and associates are encouraged to report to relevant complaints handling bodies through external reporting mechanism.

Misconduct reporting form