Sexual exploitation and abuse are violations of universally recognized international legal norms and standards.

Sexual exploitation and abuse committed by aid workers betray the core values and principles of humanitarian action and the fundamental tenant to “do no harm”.

Sexual exploitation and abuse destroy the trust communities have in the humanitarian and development sector, and it is a catastrophic failure to protect the people aid workers are obliged to serve.

It is important to acknowledge that it takes courage for survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse to come forward and report sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly in the face of an extreme power imbalance. 

Evidence shows that the number of reported cases represents a small percentage of those that occur. Even when a case is reported, survivors, especially in the humanitarian context, face significant barriers to receiving support and protection.

Often, the perpetrators of sexual exploitation and abuse are not held accountable for their actions.

The Secretary-General, with the 2017 Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) strategy, prioritizes the rights and dignity of victims. The UN is ending impunity through strengthened reporting and investigations.

Against this background, the United Nations in Iraq - through the PSEA Coordinator attached to the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq- rolled out preventing sexual exploitation and abuse training and awareness-raising sessions for UN and non-UN personnel.

About 533 people were trained to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse.

Topics covered:

  • concepts related to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse

  • the UN’s zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse policy

  • the Secretary-General’s six core principles

  • how sexual exploitation and abuse manifests in Iraq

  • what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour for aid workers

  • the consequence of sexual exploitation and abuse

  • victim support services

  • how to report misconduct

  • whistleblower policies

  • the role of staff and managers in preventing sexual exploitation and abuse

  • investigation processes and sanctions

Learn more about the UN’s efforts to end sexual exploitation and abuse on iSeek.