The policy of no cooperation towards harassment - Grievance redressal mechanism:

 

It aims to build a platform based on principles of unity in diversity, justice, equity, inclusion, and human rights with a strong will to protect nature, and to build and co-operationalize youth spaces where no youth gets left behind. It takes into account that the human rights of people of all genders, sexes, cultures, colors, ethnic backgrounds, religions, legal statuses, and nationalities are attained in locations where it is present. Additionally, in rare cases, it strives to give enough space to hear out grievances clearly before using tools such as, “Blocking”, which serves as a universal right to dismiss the involvement of illicit circles or dialogue forums in the form of content, groups, individuals, and more. It also ensures blocking does not use coercion in any way whatsoever, in handling cases of violent display of actions, whether physical or verbal. 

 

To accomplish this, there is absolutely no room for bigotry, tokenism, indecency, any forms of harassment (sexual, racial/ caste-based, religion, income, etc.), emotional distress, bullying, stalking, discrimination, ageism, sexism or any other forms of inappropriate behaviour, as determined by the aggressed. This is true between youth and older counterparts, between youth, and across both in-person and cyber-based offences within and outside personal contexts. 

 

To realize this, we ensure that youth spaces are free from harassment of any form whether sexual, racial, physical or virtual; or causing emotional distress, discrimination, prejudice, ageism, sexism, stalking, bullying, gas-lighting, bigotry, dozzing, tokenism or any other forms of attitudes, beliefs, and values considered to be unsuitable on human-grounds or illegal according to local judicial laws. This is applicable to youth and older users/ partners of our services and campaigns. 

 

It condemns the wrongful use of age, ownership of spaces, legal or authoritative status, power ( real or perceived), or any other traits as a tool for engaging in unsuitable behaviour and or leaving grounds for zero accountability against the offenses reported against partners, users of our services, or community members. 

 

To actively identify the cases of harassment/ abuse caused due to severe mental illness of community members/ users/ partners and understand actions based on the intentions of the users/ community members/ partner to defuse tensions in cases that are shared in the community pool. However, regardless of the mental state of the member or participant, the case may be reported to the legal authorities. 

 

To address grievance cases and ensure a safe space for all users and partners, especially concerning the marginalised users/ partners on priority, a  mechanism has been adopted to proactively recognise issues that may arise in the course of our work, both internal and external. This mechanism is built on three principles - Recognition, Handling, and Followup.

 

• Recognition of Grievances: 

 

Recognition of grievances starts with an understanding of the cases, specifically on the issues of harassment, physical or sexual assault, abuse whether mental or verbal, consent, agency/ user, meaningful engagement, recourse based on options of internal or external using the help and support of a third party both through open and anonymous avenues. 

 

It draws on the values of the project, as outlined in Community guidelines, as well as relevant documents outlined through specific partnerships and collaborations. 

 

It will enable members/ users/ partners to better understand what constitutes inappropriate behaviour, how to appeal for grievances and steps for addressing them while also assuring the maintenance of dignity, anonymity( unless not chosen so), and freedom of choice. 

 

• How do we do this?

 

1. A small portion of time at all preparatory, coordination, substantive, or any other meeting/ gathering of our meetings, whether formal or informal in nature, are dedicated to enhancing awareness of our safe space model. 

2. Organise regular micro-engagement events in safe interaction spaces, whether online, offline, or hybrid to connect young people/ volunteers to multiple non-formal learning, employment, and civic opportunities.

3. Associated and relevant information is included in all documentation and outlets related to membership, user/ partner guidance documents( including user, merchant, and member guidelines), processes and procedures, and other engagement guides produced for interventions. 

 

• Handling of grievances: 

 

We believe that addressing issues experienced by the aggrieved should be dealt with in a systematic, personalised, private( depending on circumstances), and secure way that empowers the person(s)/ group to take decisions into their own hands and maintain anonymity if preferred. This includes both internal and external spaces where we are present either as an organising entity or as a supporting entity. 

 

• Internal Mechanism:-

 

The Grievance redressal mechanism is convened at the level of the board of directors and if needed, relevant partners, users and community members are available to report any incident or incidents that are verifiably thought by a person, regardless of age or identity, but have faced incidences that are either an act of assault, discrimination and/or abuse. This mechanism aims to provide the one reporting to remain anonymous.

 

• External Mechanism:-

 

We have a comprehensive code of conduct for its community. These include, but are not limited to the following:

 

● Prohibition of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of

authority.

● Protection against retaliation for reporting misconduct and for cooperating with duly

authorized audits or investigations.

● Reporting of Suspected Misconduct.

● Standards of Conduct for Service.

 

As a formal social engagement mechanism for creative and cultural people, we believe all our staffers/consultants/contractors should uphold the same code of conduct and guidelines while interacting with people depending on their capacities such as partner spaces/ organisations/ community members/ interns or permanent employees.  Any failure to do so and any incident/incidents perceived by the survivor/aggrieved or a witness amounting to assault, discrimination, and/or abuse should be reported through the appropriate channels at the founder’s office ( Sehaj Sahni- sehaj@indianyouthcafe.org ) . These channels include the founder and members of the governing board, in addition to direct reporting to the leadership of the entity or project, profiles of the board can be accessed from the website any incident can be directly reported or brought to notice through any online or offline reach-out request. 

 

• Followup of grievances:

Once the case is taken up by the governing board, the action follow-up will be arranged for all requests received through all electronic mediums. For any follow-up, please write to: youth@indianyouthcafe.org ( Central Admin) / sehaj@indianyouthcafe.org once your form entry is approved and the case is accepted.