SEEN

SEEN’s Policies and Ethical Framework

At SEEN, our policies form the foundation of how we work, make decisions, and engage with communities, partners, volunteers, and staff. They translate our values into clear standards, safeguards, and accountability mechanisms that apply across all programs and activities.

We are committed to creating and maintaining safe, ethical, and inclusive spaces, particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized communities, through robust internal policies and continuously evolving protection protocols.

Our Core Policies

SEEN’s policy framework includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Confidentiality
  Defines ethical principles guiding decision-making, relationships with communities, and the responsible handling of sensitive information. Download Here

• Editorial Policy
  Governs knowledge production, publications, and media content to ensure accuracy, accountability, safety, and political and ethical responsibility. Download here
• Transparency and Political Editorial Policy This policy establishes the editorial principles governing SEEN’s knowledge production, publications, and media content. It ensures accuracy, transparency, accountability, and the safety of contributors, while upholding political and ethical responsibility when addressing issues related to gender and sexual justice. The policy also outlines editorial standards, review procedures, and the scope of editorial independence in research and media production. Download Here

• Language and Terminology Guide
  This guide provides a unified linguistic and conceptual framework for the use of terminology related to gender, sexuality, and human rights within SEEN’s knowledge production. It aims to ensure conceptual accuracy, consistency in language use, and respect for cultural and social contexts when addressing issues concerning LGBTQIA+ communities. Download Here

Safeguarding and Reporting Concerns

• Confidentiality and Privacy Policy
  Sets strict rules for data protection, information security, and privacy, particularly for survivors, beneficiaries, and contributors whose safety may be at risk. Download Here
• Safeguarding Policy
  Outlines SEEN’s commitment to preventing harm, abuse, exploitation, and neglect, and to responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns. Download Here
• Policy on Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (SHEA/PSEA)
  Establishes zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse in any form, and defines prevention, reporting, and response mechanisms. Download Here

SEEN prioritizes survivor-centered, confidential, and accessible reporting mechanisms.
If you have any safeguarding concern or complaint, you can contact us directly and confidentially at:

concerns@seenforequity.org

All reports are handled with seriousness, confidentiality, and respect, in line with survivor-centered and do-no-harm principles.

Independence and Ethical Positioning

SEEN emphasizes full independence in decision-making and mechanisms of action.
We operate independently from any governmental or non-governmental authority, institution, political entity, or donor body.

This independence does not preclude cooperation. We engage in partnerships and collaborations where values, ethics, and objectives intersect with our struggle for gender and sexual equity. However, such cooperation never compromises our autonomy, principles, or accountability to the communities we serve.

Ongoing Development and Accountability

Recognizing that risks, contexts, and needs evolve, SEEN is committed to:

• Regularly reviewing and updating policies and protocols
• Strengthening safeguarding, protection, and accountability mechanisms
• Ensuring that staff, volunteers, and partners understand and apply these policies in practice

Through these measures, we affirm our responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, and collaborators across all programs.