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1. Introduction

Purpose of the Policy:
This policy outlines Accord Worldwide, Inc.’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring the protection of children within its operations and sphere of influence. It reflects our dedication to conducting business in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable.

Scope and Applicability:
Applicable globally, this policy covers all employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners of Accord Worldwide, Inc. It is integral to all business activities and decision-making processes, ensuring that human rights and child protection principles are consistently applied.

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2. Policy Statement

Commitment to Human Rights:
Accord Worldwide, Inc. commits to respecting and supporting human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. We are dedicated to identifying, preventing, and mitigating any adverse human rights impacts resulting from our business activities.

Commitment to Child Protection:
We recognize children’s rights to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. This policy underscores our zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse or exploitation within our operations or through our business relationships.

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3. Definitions

• Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, language, or any other status.
• Child and Child Protection: A child refers to anyone under the age of 18. Child protection is the safeguarding of children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
• Abuse and Exploitation: Abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. Exploitation refers to using a child for someone else’s advantage, gratification, or profit, leading to harm, potential harm, or deprivation of the child’s rights.

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4. Principles

• Non-Discrimination: Accord Worldwide, Inc. ensures equal protection and rights for all children and adults, without discrimination.
• Best Interests of the Child: In all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.
• Right to Participation: Children have the right to be heard and to have their views taken into account in matters affecting them, in accordance with their age and maturity.
• Protection from Harm: We prioritize the safety and physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children in all our activities and operations.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Organizational Responsibilities: Accord Worldwide, Inc. will implement effective measures to integrate human rights and child protection into its policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Employee Responsibilities: All employees are required to respect human rights and contribute to an environment that is safe for children. They must report any concerns or violations of this policy.
• Partner and Stakeholder Responsibilities: Our partners and stakeholders are expected to uphold similar standards of human rights and child protection, and we will work collaboratively to address any issues that arise.

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6. Child Protection Measures

Risk Assessment and Management:
Accord Worldwide, Inc. will conduct regular risk assessments to identify areas where children may be at risk due to our operations. Based on these assessments, we will implement targeted measures to manage and mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in all our activities and operations.

Reporting and Response Procedures:
A clear and accessible reporting mechanism is established for employees, partners, and community members to report any concerns or violations related to child protection. All reports are treated with confidentiality and urgency. A designated Child Protection Officer is responsible for managing responses, including immediate action to safeguard affected children, investigation, and coordination with local authorities as necessary.

Education and Training:
Mandatory training on child protection policies and procedures is provided to all employees, especially those in direct contact with children. Training programs aim to raise awareness of child protection issues, recognize signs of abuse or exploitation, and understand reporting and response procedures.

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7. Human Rights Due Diligence

Identification and Assessment of Impacts:
We commit to identifying, assessing, and addressing adverse human rights impacts resulting from our business activities. This includes impacts on employees, communities, and particularly vulnerable groups such as children.

Integration and Action:
Findings from our human rights impact assessments are integrated into our operational planning and decision-making processes. We take appropriate actions to prevent, mitigate, and, where necessary, remedy adverse impacts.

Tracking Performance:
Accord Worldwide, Inc. monitors and tracks the effectiveness of our actions to address human rights impacts, using this information to make continuous improvements.

Communication:
We communicate transparently about our human rights due diligence processes and findings, engaging with affected stakeholders and providing regular updates on our progress.

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8. Compliance and Monitoring

Compliance Mechanisms:
Accord Worldwide, Inc. establishes mechanisms to ensure compliance with this policy, relevant laws, and international standards on human rights and child protection. This includes regular audits, employee surveys, and stakeholder feedback.

Monitoring and Reporting:
Ongoing monitoring of our operations and business relationships is conducted to ensure adherence to our human rights and child protection commitments. We prepare and publish annual reports detailing our practices, progress, and challenges in these areas.

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9. Training and Awareness

Mandatory Training Programs:
All employees undergo mandatory training on this policy, focusing on understanding human rights, recognizing the importance of child protection, and implementing our commitments in their daily work.

Awareness Campaigns:
Accord Worldwide, Inc. conducts awareness campaigns to reinforce the importance of human rights and child protection among employees, partners, and the communities where we operate. These campaigns also aim to empower individuals to take action and report any concerns.

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10. Policy Review and Updates

Review Schedule:
To ensure that our Human Rights and Child Protection Policy remains effective and aligned with current laws, best practices, and the evolving nature of our operations, it will be reviewed annually. Additionally, ad hoc reviews will be conducted in response to significant operational changes, legal updates, or incidents that suggest the need for policy modification.

Amendment Process:
The process for amending this policy involves consultation with key stakeholders, including child protection experts, human rights organizations, employees, and affected communities. Proposed amendments will be thoroughly vetted to assess their impact on policy effectiveness and alignment with Accord Worldwide, Inc.’s commitment to human rights and child protection. All amendments are subject to approval by senior management before implementation. Changes to the policy will be communicated to all employees and relevant stakeholders in a timely manner through internal communication channels, training sessions, and updates to public-facing documents as necessary.

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11. Acknowledgment and Commitment

Employee Acknowledgment:
All employees are required to sign an acknowledgment form confirming they have read, understood, and agree to adhere to the Human Rights and Child Protection Policy. This acknowledgment is part of the onboarding process for new employees and is revisited during annual compliance training to reinforce the policy’s importance and ensure ongoing commitment.

Leadership Commitment:
Leadership at Accord Worldwide, Inc. demonstrates its commitment to this policy by setting a positive example, allocating necessary resources for its implementation, and actively promoting a culture of respect for human rights and child protection within the organization and in its dealings with partners and the community. Senior management’s commitment also involves ensuring that adequate mechanisms are in place to report violations, conducting thorough investigations, and taking appropriate actions in response to policy breaches.