Approved at the association’s meeting on 1 October 2024
Effective from 1 October 2024
The principles for a safer space serve as general guidelines for safety and appropriate behaviour at events organised by the Co-Delegation of Student Nations, alongside the regulations set by the nations and the operators responsible for the venues. These principles will be applied on a case-by-case basis in the event of any violations.
These principles for a safer space have been formulated based on the principles established by the Pohjalainen Valtuuskunta and utilising the guidelines created by the Student Union of the University of Helsinki.
- Eeveryone can be their own self in CDSN’s events. We respect all attendees just as they are.
- We ensure that everyone can participate in activities and social gatherings in their own way, and that all voices are heard and understood.
- We recognise our own biases and strive to avoid making assumptions.
- We value everyone’s contributions in our shared activities. Feedback is constructive and encourages dialogue.
- We respect each other’s boundaries, and no one is forced into activities they do not wish to participate in.
- We respect each other’s physical and mental inviolability.
- We approach sensitive topics with the appropriate respect and acknowledge the seriousness of personal matters. We consider both the speaker and the listener in discussions.
- We remember our responsibility for the premises and property of the student nations in all locations where the CDSN’s events are held.
- We take into account the rules of the premises and the organisations operating within them, and we act in accordance with and respect those rules.
- We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, belittling, or racism based on gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, ethnicity, beliefs, socioeconomic status, field of study, or age (both physical age and age related to the student organisation or studies).
Acting in problem situations
- If you encounter situations of discrimination, bullying, harassment, or disputes, or if there is misuse of spaces and property, you can discuss the matter with the CDSN’s designated harassment contact persons or a member of the board.
- You can also contact the harassment contact persons through the harassment contact form. The reports submitted through the form will be handled confidentially within the CDSN board and will be forwarded to the relevant nations upon request.
- Those who violate the principles for a safer space must take responsibility for their actions and apologise. Everyone makes mistakes. When addressing an infraction, the discussion should be constructive.
- The CDSN does not make disciplinary decisions itself; instead, each student nation decides on potential measures according to its own practices. The CDSN respectes decisions made by the student nations.