Children’s rights and dignity

Children’s safety comes first.

Our standard for children’s safety and dignity

Mercy For Life Africa requires children to be treated with dignity, listened to, and protected from harm in our programs, communications, and online stories. Staff and volunteers must report a safeguarding concern promptly through the contact details below.

Photos, names, and personal stories

Before publishing an identifiable child’s photo, name, or personal story, Mercy For Life Africa requires documented informed permission from a parent or legal guardian and the child’s assent in a way appropriate to their age and understanding. A child must not be pressured to participate, and declining a photo must not affect access to support.

We use the minimum identifying detail needed to tell a story. We do not publish a child’s full name, precise home location, school timetable, or private medical information unless a documented safeguarding review finds disclosure necessary, safe, and appropriately authorized. Medical and distressing images require particular care and should not be used for shock or fundraising pressure.

If you are a child, parent, guardian, or community member with a concern about a photo or story on this site, ask us to review or remove it. Contact mercyforlifeafrica@gmail.com with “Child safeguarding” in the subject, or call / WhatsApp +256 705 923 537. We will acknowledge the request and review it promptly.

This page states the publication and conduct standards Mercy For Life Africa expects staff and volunteers to follow. Please contact us if you need the organization’s full safeguarding procedure.