We, Bishops, Priests, Religious, and the Lay faithful in the IMBISA region, participants of the workshop organised by IMBISA at Pardre Pio Centre in Pretoria, from the 26th of February to the 1st of March 2024, under the theme Promoting Safeguarding in the Church, declare our unwavering commitment to prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and protection of children and vulnerable adults in our Catholic institutions. We recognize the immensity and responsibility we bear in safeguarding the children, and the most vulnerable members of our community, society, and the world at large. We are determined to work towards an environment that is safe, nurturing, healing, and free from any form of abuse, harm, or exploitation. We declare the following on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons:
- Through a child centered approach, we uphold the dignity of children and vulnerable persons created in the image of God. Thus, promoting their participation and decision-making, listening to their voices, and acknowledging their rights and responsibilities.
- In line with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, we maintain zero tolerance in responding to and reporting cases of abuse: emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and social abuse and negative behaviour. We also denounce negative cultural practices.
- Guided by safeguarding policies in our Catholic institutions, we take immediate action to prevent and respond to allegations or incidents of abuse.
- We are committed to maintaining safe and healthy environments that mitigate risks to children and vulnerable adults. We are dedicated to adopting without delaying a culture of vigilance, transparency, and accountability.
- We will actively collaborate and work together with our pastors and the civil authorities, communities, Parents, children, youths, and laity in the IMBISA region.
- We are committed to on-going education, formation, and training to enhance our understanding for protection and safeguarding.
- We will regularly review our policies to align ourselves with current standards and legislative requirements to support victims/survivors.
- We acknowledge the need to provide pastoral care to perpetrators.
- We will act with integrity, empathy, and diligence, using prayer as a source of our gospel values.