The Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association (APPVA) is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and human rights of all people that are, in some way, connected with the APPVA or its work, particularly people that may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

The care, safety and welfare of children and adults at risk is a collective responsibility, embedded in robust policies and practices of the APPVA which reflect its zero tolerance to abuse.

The APPVA will:

• strive to be open and inclusive where all members including children, adults at risk, families, volunteers, workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the culturally and/or linguistically diverse and those with a disability or additional needs, are welcome and participate fully,
• be a charity where children and adults at risk are fully engaged and have every opportunity to be heard, flourish and grow,
• ensure that every person engaged and working in the APPVA actively promotes the inherent dignity of all people by upholding their fundamental right to be included, respected and nurtured in a safe environment,
• maintain high ethical standards in all decisions, actions and activities, and
• abide Commonwealth and state/territory statutory legislation pertaining to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk.

Closing Statement

Creating a safe environment is a dynamic process that involves active participation and responsibility by all within the APPVA and everyone that interacts with it. The APPVA is committed to making this possible through collaboration, vigilance and proactive approaches across legislation, policies, procedures and practices.