UNCC – United National Countryless Children
Governance, Safeguarding & Compliance Statement
(Aligned With Ugandan Law, East African Regulations, and International Humanitarian Standards)

UNCC is a humanitarian agency committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of vulnerable children, seniors, refugees, stateless persons, and at‑risk families across Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, DR Congo, and Australia. We work in accordance with Ugandan national legislation, East African Community (EAC) frameworks, and international law, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and UN Refugee Protection Standards.

UNCC is firmly committed to ensuring that every staff member, volunteer, community partner, and program participant is treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

 

Our Core Safety & Accountability Policies

UNCC has established the following governance and safeguarding policies to ensure the protection of all individuals interacting with our work:

• Child and Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy
Aligned with Uganda’s Children (Amendment) Act, 2016, and international child‑protection standards.

• UNCC Code of Conduct
Setting expected professional, ethical, and behavioural standards for all personnel.

• Complaints and Whistleblower Policy & Procedures
In line with Uganda’s Anti‑Corruption Act and global humanitarian accountability standards.

• Conflict of Interest & Transparency Policy

• Gift Acceptance & Ethical Support Policy

• Non‑Development / Non‑Political Activity Policy
Ensuring UNCC maintains strict neutrality and impartiality in humanitarian work.

• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy
In line with:
– Uganda’s Penal Code
– UN Secretary‑General’s PSEA Standards
– Inter‑Agency Standing Committee (IASC) PSEA Guidelines

• Privacy & Data Protection Policy
Aligned with Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

• Volunteer Management and Safety Policy

 

Standards Expected of All UNCC Personnel

All UNCC staff, volunteers, and partners are required to:

• Perform duties diligently, professionally, and in accordance with national laws, UNCC’s values, and international humanitarian principles.
• Act with honesty, integrity, and accountability at all times.
• Promote a workplace culture that is kind, inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.
• Ensure that all interactions prioritise the safety and dignity of children, seniors, refugees, and vulnerable individuals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and protect all personal data collected during service delivery.
• Use sound judgement to uphold the interests of UNCC and the communities we serve.

UNCC ensures that violent behaviour, threats, discrimination, bullying, exploitation, harassment, abuse, or intimidation are not tolerated under any circumstance.

 

Safeguarding Commitment

UNCC personnel must always act to:

• Protect children, seniors, and vulnerable adults from any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harassment.
• Report concerns immediately through established reporting channels.
• Ensure compliance with:
– Uganda’s Children (Amendment) Act
– Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act
– Domestic Violence Act
– UNHCR Protection and PSEA Standards
– International humanitarian safeguarding frameworks

Strict adherence to UNCC’s Safeguarding Policy, Safeguarding Code of Conduct, and all operational guidance is mandatory.

 

Reporting Concerns or Complaints

UNCC encourages safe, confidential reporting of all concerns. Anyone may raise a complaint regarding:

• Misconduct
• Safeguarding violations
• Staff behaviour
• Corruption or mismanagement
• Exploitation or harassment
• Breaches of policy

To make a complaint:
Complaints Officer: complaints@unccs.org

To report safeguarding concerns:
Safeguarding Focal Lead: safeguarding@unccs.org

UNCC guarantees:

• Confidentiality
• Protection from retaliation
• Fair investigation
• Clear follow‑up actions

 

Our Legal & Ethical Framework

UNCC policies align with:

Ugandan Laws
• National Children Act
• Anti‑Corruption Act
• Data Protection & Privacy Act
• Employment Act
• Domestic Violence Act
• Persons with Disabilities Act
• Anti‑Trafficking in Persons Act

International Frameworks
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• UNHCR Refugee Protection Standards
• UN PSEA Guidelines
• Sphere Standards (Humanitarian Response)
• IASC Safeguarding Principles
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights