The UN and its partners in Ethiopia have a zero-tolerance policy on all aspects of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This strategy in place affirms the commitment of all UN, affiliated workforces and partners in Ethiopia to actively prevent and respond to incidents of SEA by staff and affiliated personnel.

It is not acceptable for any person in a position of power to abuse their authority under any circumstances and especially against persons with specific needs of concern to the humanitarian and development community, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Acts of SEA undermine the credibility of the UN and its partners and breaches the principle of Do No Harm. The UN and its partners recognize their leadership responsibility to strengthen the fight against SEA in Ethiopia, in order to achieve a true system of collective accountability.

The goal is to establish a robust and sustainable system among humanitarian and development actors to prevent, investigate and respond to incidents of SEA. Communities and individuals should be empowered to report incidents and should feel assured that their complaints will be treated confidentially and handled efficiently. Perpetrators should be held to account and disciplinary action taken to promote justice and accountability, to support survivors, as an example to others.

The overall vision is that the humanitarian and development communities treat the people we are here to serve with dignity and respect and send a strong message that there is no place for sexual exploitation and abuse in the delivery of humanitarian or development assistance.