Safeguarding in Subud - Update
By Hannah de Roo, WSA deputy chair
Photo: Safeguarding discussion WSC Fatima July 2025
Both the new Safeguarding Policy for international Subud (online) meetings, gatherings and events, as well as the Code of Conduct for World Subud Council members and representatives, have recently been approved by the council.
Council members were asked to individually sign the Code of Conduct, that way committing themselves to respect the guidelines that were agreed upon.
This means that we now have a clear set of guidelines in place for creating and working in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment across cultures, where support is available whenever these guidelines are not being respected.
The introduction to the policy says: “WSA recognizes safeguarding as a shared responsibility. All individuals participating in WSA activities are expected to act in ways that protect the dignity, safety, and well-being of others, and to comply with applicable safeguarding laws and regulations in the countries where activities take place.”
The policy is applicable for all WSA-led international meetings, zonal activities, and World Congresses. WSA wants to set an example for its member countries, who need to have their own policy in place to ensure safeguarding during national and local activities. Countries like USA and Britain already have such policies.
When there is a complaint about misbehavior or any kind of personal violation during an international meeting or event, members can contact one of the Safeguarding Contact Persons. The email address is: reporting.safeguarding@subud.org
If there are no resources within a country, members can also use this address to report their complaint.
The first Safeguarding Contact Person that was appointed has followed a special training to learn more about this important role.
To enlarge the team, we are calling on professional therapists, psychologists and social workers to also apply for this role. After reviewal of applications by the Safeguarding working party, testing by international helpers will be part of the appointment procedure.
Presentations, publications and workshops will be part of raising awareness around this important topic and to create an understanding of how we can all contribute to safeguard a respectful climate.
Please find again a link to the Safeguarding Poster thatyou can use in your local center.