Child Protection Policy
Žanis Lipke Memorial
Effective Date: 18/05/2026
Approved by: Lolita Tomsone, Director of Žanis Lipke Memorial
1. Introduction
Žanis Lipke Memorial (hereinafter “the Memorial”) is committed to ensuring that every child and young person involved in its activities is safe, respected, and protected.
Children and young people participate in the Memorial’s educational, cultural, commemorative, and artistic programmes, including workshops, guided visits, discussions, exhibitions, public events, and international cooperation projects. This Child Protection Policy (hereinafter “the Policy”) sets out how the Memorial safeguards children in line with applicable legislation, EU standards, and recognised good practice.
Special attention is paid to age-appropriate communication and emotionally sensitive educational practices, particularly in activities related to Holocaust remembrance, historical trauma, human rights, and civic education.
2. Purpose and Scope
The purposes of this Policy are to:
- Define the Memorial’s commitment and guiding principles on child safeguarding.
- Set clear expectations for employees, collaborators, volunteers, contractors, artists, educators, and partners.
- Establish procedures for preventing and responding to child-safety concerns.
This Policy applies to:
- All employees of the Memorial.
- Volunteers, interns, educators, guides, and facilitators.
- External experts, artists, researchers, and subcontractors working on behalf of the Memorial.
- Project partners whose activities involve children together with the Memorial.
3. Principles
3.1 Best Interests of the Child
All decisions and actions concerning children prioritise their safety, dignity, wellbeing, and rights.
3.2 Zero Tolerance
The Memorial does not tolerate child abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour in any form.
3.3 Non-Discrimination
All children are treated equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social background, language, or any other status.
3.4 Confidentiality and Data Protection
Personal data relating to children are handled responsibly and in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Latvian legislation.
3.5 Respect and Participation
Children have the right to express concerns, ask questions, and participate in activities in a safe and respectful environment.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
Director
The Director of the Memorial has overall responsibility for approving and overseeing the implementation of this Policy.
Staff and Collaborators
All staff members, educators, volunteers, artists, guides, and collaborators working with children must:
- comply with this Policy;
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
- behave respectfully and responsibly;
- avoid any behaviour that may be harmful, intimidating, humiliating, or exploitative;
- report any safeguarding concern immediately.
Designated Contact Person
The Director of the Memorial serves as the designated safeguarding contact person responsible for coordinating safeguarding matters and responding to concerns.
Contact:
Lolita Tomsone
Director, Žanis Lipke Memorial
5. Safe Recruitment and Selection
The Memorial seeks to ensure that individuals working directly with children are suitable for their roles.
Where appropriate:
- professional background and previous experience are reviewed;
- references may be requested;
- criminal record checks may be conducted in accordance with Latvian law and project requirements.
6. Code of Conduct
All persons covered by this Policy must:
- treat children with dignity and respect;
- avoid discriminatory, abusive, or exploitative behaviour;
- avoid inappropriate physical or verbal conduct;
- ensure that communication with children remains professional and appropriate;
- avoid situations where a child may be placed at unnecessary risk;
- immediately report any safeguarding concern.
7. Reporting Procedure
If anyone believes that a child may be at risk of harm or has experienced harm:
7.1 Internal Reporting
The concern must be reported immediately to the Director or responsible staff member.
7.2 Immediate Protective Measures
If necessary, immediate steps will be taken to protect the child and ensure their safety.
7.3 External Notification
Where required by law, relevant authorities or child protection services will be informed.
Whenever possible, concerns and incidents should be documented in writing, including the date, time, persons involved, and description of the concern.
8. Data Protection
The Memorial processes personal data relating to children in accordance with GDPR requirements and applicable Latvian legislation.
Photographs, recordings, and personal information relating to children may only be collected, stored, and published with appropriate consent and for legitimate educational or communication purposes.
9. External Partners and Subcontractors
Partners and subcontractors involved in activities with children together with the Memorial are expected to comply with this Policy and applicable child safeguarding standards.
10. Staff Awareness and Training
The Memorial will ensure that relevant staff and collaborators are informed about safeguarding principles and understand their responsibilities under this Policy.
Safeguarding considerations will be reviewed during the preparation of activities involving children and young people.
11. Child Participation
The Memorial is committed to ensuring that children participate safely, voluntarily, and respectfully in all activities.
Where appropriate:
- parents or guardians will receive relevant information about activities;
- informed consent will be obtained;
- children and guardians will receive age-appropriate information about participation;
- children may withdraw from activities at any time without negative consequences;
- participants will be encouraged to express concerns or ask for support.
12. Review and Amendment
This Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure compliance with legal requirements, EU standards, and organisational practice.
13. Policy Approval
This Policy is approved by the Director of Žanis Lipke Memorial.
Lolita Tomsone
Director
Žanis Lipke Memorial
Mazais Balasta dambis 9, Riga, Latvia