Circular No. APR-C05-2026
Dear Colleagues,
Greetings from the Asia-Pacific Support Centre!
Further to Circular No. APR-C04-2026 dated 19 June 2026, and following the adoption of the amended APR Constitution and By-Laws 2025, which took effect on 29 March 2026, we wish to draw your attention to Article IV.10 concerning Member Organizations’ compliance with the WOSM Safeguarding Policies and Measures.
As provided in the revised Constitution, Member Organizations not compliant with the WOSM Safeguarding Policies and Measures are not permitted to:
a. nominate or have their members renominated for Regional Committees, task forces or other roles; and,
b. bid or host Regional events.
In support of our shared commitment to ensuring safe and inclusive environments for all young people in Scouting, we encourage all National Scout Organizations to review and complete their Safe from Harm membership requirements as part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening safeguarding across the Movement.
The Safe from Harm membership requirements include:
Submission or Updating of the National Safe from Harm Policy. Ensuring that the NSO has an approved, updated, and operational safeguarding policy aligned with WOSM standards.
Submission or Updating of the Safeguarding Reporting Mechanism. Evidence that the NSO has an established and accessible mechanism for reporting safeguarding concerns, incidents, or violations, in accordance with Safe from Harm principles. A clear structure/organigram is essential.
Designation of a National Safe from Harm Coordinator or Focal Point. Appointment and registration of the person responsible for overseeing and coordinating safeguarding implementation at the national level and ensuring that the designated individual contact is updated on the NSO Directory Portal.
In addition to these reporting requirements, National Scout Organizations are required to complete a Safe from Harm Self-Assessment every three (3) years to reflect on progress made and good practices, and to identify opportunities to further strengthen the Safe from Harm implementation within its organization.
With the WOSM Safe from Harm Enforcement Mechanism anticipated to be implemented in the near future, we strongly encourage all National Scout Organizations to complete and submit these Safe from Harm membership requirements at the earliest opportunity. Doing so will help ensure readiness, continued compliance with WOSM safeguarding standards, and uninterrupted participation in regional governance processes and opportunities.
Safe from Harm is a collective responsibility and a core commitment of our Movement. By working together, we strengthen trust, uphold our duty of care, and ensure that Scouting remains always as a safe, inclusive, and meaningful educational experience for every young person.
We thank you for your continued commitment and cooperation.
J Rizal C. Pangilinan
Regional Director
