1. Statement of Commitment

The Model European Parliament Hellas (MEP Hellas) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people participating in all MEP Hellas activities educational and conference-related, both in Hellas and abroad.

Our policies also apply to all staff, educators, volunteers, committee presidents, advisors, chaperones, host families, and any adults acting on behalf of MEP Hellas, as well as to members underage.

2. Code of Conduct

All members of MEP Hellas must:

• Adhere to the Code of Honour of the organisation which is signed upon admission.
• Respect cultural differences and act in accordance with the MEP Europe standards.
• Promote inclusion.
• Be aware of the whereabouts of fellow delegation members while abroad/training sessions/events and promptly report any concerns to the designated MEP Hellas escorts.
• Uphold and promote the interests of Hellas at all conferences and official events.
• Act professionally and responsibly at all times.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with all members of MEP Hellas and MEP Europe.

3. Recruitment

• Adult Trainers/Teachers in positions of responsibility are selected with care and subject to background checks in accordance with national legislation.
• Supervision is maintained wherever possible.
• Clear reporting responsibilities are always established.

4. Online safety and data protection

1. Online sessions are conducted using secure platforms.
2. Recording, sharing, or misuse of digital content without consent is strictly forbidden.
3. Personal data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.

5. Travel and Accommodation

• During international conferences, the delegates are supervised by MEP Hellas adult trainers/teacher escorts and are safeguarded through the established safeguarding frameworks of the host country organisers, and MEP Europe who share responsibility for the participants welfare during official programme activities.
• The consumption of alcohol or drugs, inappropriate behavioural conduct, and any refusal or inability to comply with the rules and regulations set by both MEP Hellas and MEP Europe are strictly prohibited. Such conducts constitute grounds for immediate termination of participation and expulsion from the conference, as well as from MEP Hellas and MEP Europe, at the expense of the participant, whether a delegate or an escorting adult trainer/teacher. In such cases, the participant is required to depart the host country immediately at their own expense.
• Participants who jeopardise the image of Hellenic delegation or fail to act in the best interests of Hellas are also subject to expulsion from the conference and termination of their membership in MEP Hellas, in which case in which case the procedures outlined above will be followed.
• The Hellenic delegations are insured, and all members are covered for the duration of international travel and stay.
• Accommodation arrangements, including host families and hotels/hostels are made by the host country in agreement with the MEP Europe.
• MEP Hellas provides separate accommodation for participants who develop an illness in order to safeguard the health and welfare of the rest of the delegations.

6. Training and Awareness

• All participants – both adults and minors – are provided with safeguarding guidelines and relevant training during training sessions and prior to each trip.

7. Escorts

The Hellenic delegations are always accompanied by one to two adults –  the National Coordinator and the trainer of the delegation.

8. Review

 This policy is reviewed annually or when required by organisational practice.