Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

This section is to make sure that all of those cooperating in offering care and safety to the Ukrainian refugees are aware of important internationally respected ethical guidelines.  When someone becomes a refugee, they are in a more vulnerable and dependent situation than those that are offering assistance.  Whenever there is such a power imbalance,  the person with greater power (those giving aid) have greater responsibility to maintain strict ethical boundaries and keep the relationship safe.  Similar to the ethical standards guiding relationships between therapists and clients, teachers and students, doctors and patients, and other relationships with a power imbalance,  there are similar standards for all of those involved in giving humanitarian aid.  IASC is the Interagency Standing Committee of the United Nations, which created a set of principles that are applied not only by the UN but by all of those involved in humanitarian aid. These standards could be higher than local laws.

IASC Core Principles: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

  • “Sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are therefore grounds for termination of employment.
  • Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief regarding the age of a child is not a defense.
  • Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour is prohibited. This includes the exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.
  • Any sexual relationship between those providing humanitarian assistance and protection and a person benefitting from such humanitarian assistance and protection that involves improper use of rank or position is prohibited. Such relationships undermine the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.
  • Where a humanitarian worker develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a fellow worker, whether in the same agency or not, he or she must report such concerns via established agency reporting mechanisms.
  • Humanitarian workers are obliged to create and maintain an environment, which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of their code of conduct. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support and develop systems which maintain this environment.”

Essential Information to Communicate to the Refugees:

Humanitarian assistance from the UN agencies and NGOs is free and should be given without exchange for favors. Refugees have the right to report if an aid worker asks for any favors/services in exchange for aid. UN/NGO staff have a duty to treat refugees with dignity and respect.  Refugees should be able to  safely & confidentially report any inappropriate or uncomfortable behavior. (they can be encouraged to report to the police, until there is a PSEA (prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) focal point established.)

Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) secretariat (Revision of 12.09.2019)

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