SESSION 3: PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION

AT THE END OF SESSION 3, YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH: Core Principles of a Code of Conduct for Protection from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (Secretary Generals Bulletin) Implications of the Core Principles for UNICEF staff behaviour UNICEF 2

Grave allegations - West Africa Global problem Requires shift in UN and humanitarian agencies cultures and approaches Sexual exploitation derives from unequal power relationships IASC TASK FORCE ON PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE IN HUMANITARIAN CRISES UNICEF 3

THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON GIRLS AND WOMEN Physical - HIV infection, STI, genital injury, abdominal pain, unwanted pregnancy, death Psychological - emotional pain, powerlessness, apathy, denial, deep depression, suicide, infanticide Social - Rejection by spouse, shunned, ostracised, or stigmatised; deprivation of education, employment, assistance UNICEF 4

DEFINITIONS Sexual abuse - actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature Sexual exploitation - abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes Humanitarian workers - all workers engaged by humanitarian agencies, national or international, formally or informally, retained from the beneficiary community 5 UNICEF

CORE PRINCIPLES Sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitutes gross misconduct - termination of employment Sexual activity with children (<18) absolutely prohibited regardless of age of majority locally Exchange of money, employment, goods, services for sex is prohibited UNICEF 6

CORE PRINCIPLES CONTINUED Sexual relationships between humanitarian workers and beneficiaries is strong discouraged Suspicion/concern of sexual exploitation by any humanitarian worker anywhere must be reported Humanitarian workers are mandated to maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the core principles 7 UNICEF

SUMMARY - CORE PRINCIPLES OF CODE OF CONDUCT Prohibited: Exchange of assistance for sex; sexual relations with any child (i.e. <18) Discouraged: Sexual relations with adult beneficiaries Duties: to beneficiaries; to report; and to foster environment of prevention, respect and dignity UNICEF 8

THE REPORTING PROCESS Head of Office or Division or Responsible Official Preliminary Investigation Possible suspension with full pay If misconduct: Factual report with documentary evidence Director, DHR Decides whether to pursue Staff member informed of allegations, due process rights Staff member responds Director, DHR: withdraws charges dismisses refers to Joint Disciplinary Committee Reviews; recommends action to Executive Director Report Allegation UNICEF 9

All UNICEF staff are obliged not to have sex with children, to report suspected sex abuse and exploitation, and to create/maintain an environment free of sexual exploitation The Core Principles of a Code of Conduct for Protection from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation apply to all UN staff and do not allow for exceptions UNICEF 10 KEY MESSAGES