Bangladesh Church leaders trained on safeguarding the vulnerable

In a vital step toward fostering safer spaces within religious and social institutions, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, in collaboration with World Vision Bangladesh, organized a comprehensive training seminar on safeguarding for people at the CBCB Center in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on June 27.

The theme of the training was “Protecting God’s Children.” The day-long seminar brought together around 90 participants from diverse roles within the Church and community, including priests, nuns, educators, healthcare workers, youth leaders, and child protection advocates.

The initiative aimed to deepen the understanding of safeguarding principles among church leaders, with a focus on preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals—especially children and marginalized adults.

It also stressed the importance of upholding human dignity and promoting a culture of safety and accountability within institutions.

"Safeguarding is not merely about preventing harm," said Mrs. Strella Rupa Mallik, senior manager at World Vision Bangladesh and lead facilitator of the session. "It's about creating an environment where every person feels valued, protected, and empowered to thrive."

The training included detailed sessions on safeguarding policies, reporting mechanisms, documentation processes, and interactive, case-based learning. Emphasis was placed on building clear procedures and fostering a proactive approach to handling sensitive issues.

Key speakers, including Mrs. Lily Gomes, Brine D’Rozario, and Fr. Anthony Sen, offered personal insights and practical strategies for implementing safeguarding practices in church-run schools, healthcare facilities, and community programs.

Among the critical recommendations that emerged was the call to appoint trained safeguarding focal individuals in each diocese and ensure that continuous training is conducted for staff and volunteers at all levels.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Gervas Rozario, chair of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, emphasized the moral and spiritual responsibility of safeguarding within the Church.

“The Church will endure if we remain committed, if we serve, and if we act. A culture of safeguarding must grow through our dedicated efforts,” he said.

This training symbolizes an important step in the Church’s ongoing commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity, especially in the context of growing awareness around the rights of children and vulnerable adults across Bangladesh.