Neem Foundation’s Commitment

At Neem Foundation, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in line with our organizational PSEA framework. We are fully committed to upholding the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals and communities we work with—especially those affected by conflict and crisis.

As a humanitarian and development organization, we recognize that SEA not only violates human rights but also undermines the trust placed in us by the people we serve. It is fundamentally opposed to Neem Foundation’s values and ethical standards.

We therefore take proactive and sustained action to prevent SEA, respond appropriately to allegations, and hold all personnel, partners, and contractors accountable.

Our Approach

Policy Framework

Neem Foundation has established a comprehensive PSEA Policy that applies to all staff, consultants, contractors, implementing partners, and associated personnel. This policy outlines clear prohibitions, prevention strategies, reporting mechanisms, and disciplinary procedures related to SEA.

Compliance with our PSEA policy is a mandatory requirement in all partnership agreements and service contracts. We do not engage with individuals or entities that do not uphold these standards.

Prevention

We foster a culture of integrity, inclusion, and accountability throughout our organization. Our prevention efforts include:

• Ensuring gender balance and safe working/living conditions in all field locations
• Making PSEA training mandatory for all staff and part of onboarding for new hires
• Empowering all staff to understand and uphold our Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards
• Mainstreaming PSEA considerations into all programs and operations
• Conducting awareness sessions for community members and stakeholders
• Designating responsibility for PSEA to senior management and all levels of leadership

All Neem personnel are expected to actively engage in the prevention of SEA and promote a respectful, safe, and transparent work environment.

Response

Neem Foundation ensures that all allegations of SEA are treated with urgency, confidentiality, and professionalism. Our response mechanisms include:

• Immediate and appropriate disciplinary action against staff found to have committed SEA, including termination of contracts or referral for legal action
• Terminating agreements with partners or service providers who fail to meet our PSEA standards
• Providing survivors with access to psychosocial support and protection services
• Ensuring that reporting mechanisms are safe, accessible, and survivor-centered

We uphold a strong whistleblower protection policy. Retaliation against anyone who reports SEA in good faith is strictly prohibited and constitutes misconduct.

Reporting Mechanisms

Neem Foundation has dedicated channels to report suspected SEA, which are accessible, confidential, and responsive. All reports are handled sensitively, with survivors’ well-being as the top priority.

To report a concern, please refer to the Neem Foundation PSEA policy and reporting procedures or contact our safeguarding team directly via safeguarding@neemfoundation.org.ng.

What Is PSEA?

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) refers to the measures taken by organizations to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct committed by staff, volunteers, or affiliated personnel against program participants or community members.

Examples of SEA include but are not limited to:

• Any unwanted sexual act or advance, including rape, coercion, or sexual assault
• Making assistance or services conditional on sexual favors
• Forcing individuals into prostitution or pornography
• Inappropriate touching, sexual jokes, or suggestive comments
• Videotaping or photographing sexual acts without consent
• Using threats, blackmail, or psychological pressure to demand sex
• Any form of sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse that creates fear, shame, or harm

Our Values in Action

At Neem Foundation, PSEA is not simply a policy—it is a core ethical commitment. We remain vigilant, accountable, and survivor-centered in all our prevention and response efforts, and we continue to build safe environments where dignity, respect, and trust are upheld at all times.