Since 2016, Comhlámh’s End Orphanage Volunteering working group has been dedicated to shedding light on the harmful impacts of orphanage care and volunteering as well as advocating for global care reform. Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our efforts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has officially updated its travel advice pages, cautioning against visiting and volunteering in orphanages. This crucial update is one of four key policy asks included in the working group’s ‘Recommendations to End Orphanage Volunteering and the Institutionalisation of Children’ document, developed in 2022. The update draws attention to the troubling links between institutions and human trafficking, aligning with our mission to protect vulnerable children and families worldwide.
As part of our commitment to values-led volunteering practices, all signatories to the Comhlámh Code of Good Practice for Volunteer Sending Agencies pledge to prioritize the best interests and well-being of children and families. By upholding these standards, we aim to ensure that volunteering opportunities positively contribute to communities while safeguarding those most at risk.
This milestone represents a step forward in our collective journey toward better care for children. Together, we will continue to advocate for global care reform and foster values-led volunteering practices.
You can learn more about the End Orphanage Care and Volunteering campaign here.