National Children's Day: UNU Jogja's Commitment to Building a Safe Environment for Every Child Through Protection and Safeguarding Policies

National Children's Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the importance of a shared commitment to fulfilling children's rights. Every child has the right to live safely, grow and develop, receive protection, education, healthcare, opportunities to play and rest, nurturing care and affection, and fair treatment without discrimination.

Fulfilling these rights is not only the responsibility of parents and the government, but also of every environment where children grow and develop, including educational institutions from primary schools to universities. As places of learning and character development, educational institutions have a responsibility to create environments that are free from exploitation, discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Universities, as institutions of higher education, share this responsibility. Through community engagement initiatives such as the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN), Social Laboratories, and other community empowerment activities, universities frequently interact with local communities, including children who participate as beneficiaries of these programs. Such interactions require a safeguarding system that ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Throughout its community engagement programs, students and lecturers from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) work directly with children through educational, health, community empowerment, and social initiatives. Therefore, protecting children is not merely an ethical principle but also an institutional responsibility to ensure that every program delivers positive benefits without exposing children to unnecessary risks.

UNU Jogja's Commitment as a University Supporting Children's Rights

As a higher education institution committed to integrity and humanitarian values, UNU Jogja has implemented a Safeguarding Policy. This strategic policy was reviewed and endorsed by Suharti, Chair of the University's Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (Satgas PPKPT), and came into effect on 20 September 2025, remaining valid until September 2030.

Through its Safeguarding Policy, UNU Jogja affirms that everyone interacting with the university is entitled to protection regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, or background. The policy reflects the university's moral commitment to ensuring that all activities uphold safety, respect for human dignity, and the protection of individual rights.

Based on this commitment, all educational, research, community service, national and international partnership activities, as well as student programs, are conducted in accordance with safeguarding principles. These activities are designed to prevent violence, sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of power, and any other harmful conduct. The protection extends not only to children but also to students, lecturers, administrative staff, volunteers, institutional partners, and members of the community involved in university programs.

UNU Jogja's Role in Building a Culture of Safety

Beyond its role as a higher education institution, UNU Jogja plays a strategic role in creating a child-friendly and safe environment. This commitment is reflected in strengthening a culture of protection within the university while extending education and outreach initiatives to the wider community.

Internally, UNU Jogja implements the Safeguarding Policy as a guiding framework for academic staff, administrative personnel, volunteers, and institutional partners. The university not only prohibits all forms of violence, exploitation, and harassment but also strengthens prevention through effective leadership, open communication, training, and capacity building. These efforts foster a campus culture that respects human dignity and ensures that everyone feels safe while studying, working, and interacting with others.

Externally, this commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Through community service, research, community empowerment initiatives, and collaborations with national and international partners, UNU Jogja integrates safeguarding principles into programs involving communities, particularly children and other vulnerable groups. As a result, every initiative not only delivers meaningful benefits but also guarantees the protection, safety, and rights of all participants.

As part of building a strong culture of protection, UNU Jogja encourages students, staff, partners, and everyone involved in university activities to speak up whenever they witness, experience, or become aware of suspected violations. Every report is handled professionally, with strict attention to confidentiality, fairness, and the safety of victims and whistleblowers. Through this approach, safeguarding serves not only as a response mechanism but also as a proactive strategy for creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.

National Children's Day: A Shared Responsibility

National Children's Day reminds us that protecting children is not a one-day commitment but an ongoing responsibility that must be embedded in institutional policies and everyday practices. Universities play a strategic role in instilling respect for human rights among young people who will become future leaders across various sectors.

Through the implementation of its Safeguarding Policy, UNU Jogja demonstrates that a university is more than a place for academic learning—it is also a space for nurturing character, compassion, and social responsibility. Protecting children and other vulnerable groups is an integral part of the university's commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment.

National Children's Day also serves as a call for all sectors of society to strengthen a culture of child protection. For UNU Jogja, this commitment is realized through sound policies, responsible governance, and the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, all of which uphold safety, respect for human dignity, and the protection of individual rights. Through these efforts, the university remains committed to providing a safe learning and community engagement environment for children, vulnerable groups, and society as a whole. [Latifah]