UN and Partners Strive for Enhanced Protection with Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy Review

In a bid to reinforce efforts in combating sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), the United Nations, accompanied by local and international non-governmental organizations, recently convened to review and validate the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy.

Highlighting the prevailing challenges exacerbating SEA, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, emphasized the critical stance of the UN and its partners. “PSEA is a serious human rights violation; it is a betrayal of trust that harms beneficiaries physically and psychologically,” she remarked, stressing the urgency to address this issue.

Initiated in 2017, the UN Secretary-General’s strategy aims at eradicating SEA as part of the organization’s zero-tolerance policy. The establishment of a PSEA task force composed of UN and NGO representatives further underscores the collective commitment towards addressing this grave issue.

Muhammad Asar, IOM Head of Operation and PSEA Taskforce Co-chair, reiterated the importance of recent assessments in shaping the new South Sudan PSEA strategy for 2024-2019. These assessments provide valuable insights into existing mechanisms, identifying achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

The unison exhibited by the UN and its partners in conducting these reviews signifies a proactive approach in safeguarding vulnerable populations and upholding the principles of integrity and accountability. With a newfound resolve, the collaborative efforts foster hope for a future free from exploitation and abuse.

By scrutinizing past practices and actively seeking avenues for enhancement, the UN and its partners strive to fortify protections against SEA, ensuring a safer environment for all individuals.