Prevention

Prevention lies at the core of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ strategy to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. It must be undertaken in a proactive and comprehensive manner across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ system and in partnership with?Member States. ?Fundamental elements of this approach include screening and training staff, raising public awareness, and conducting risk assessments.
Screening
The Secretary-General has made it clear that anyone found guilty of sexual exploitation or abuse while serving a Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ entity should never again work within the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ system. To enforce this zero-tolerance policy, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ has enhanced its candidate screening process for all positions, including rigorous checks for any prior misconduct records across different Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ entities. In peacekeeping operations, personnel are already thoroughly vetted for past misconduct in previous Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ deployments, ensuring that those who serve do so with integrity and accountability. ?
Training
Training of all Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ staff and personnel on the is an essential element in the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse.? Training for all Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ personnel is conducted regularly both before and during deployment. Since 2017 the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ has had an online training programme on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse?that is mandatory for all staff in the Secretariat and in Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ peace operations. Other Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ system entities are also adapting the training for their own use.
Outreach and awareness-raising
Public awareness-raising about what is acceptable behavior by Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ staff and personnel and how to report wrongdoing through existing mechanisms is conducted by Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ peace operations as well as?agencies, funds and programmes operating in the field. ?Safe, accessible and confidential community-based complaint reception mechanisms have been established or are being set up in field locations where the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ has humanitarian, development and peacekeeping presence.
Risk assessment
A key to preventing misconduct lies in identifying and mitigating the of sexual exploitation and abuse. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ entities regularly conduct risk assessments and implement proactive measures at their field locations, with a strong focus on addressing risks related to sexual exploitation and abuse. In doing so, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ aims to foster safer environments and uphold the highest standards of conduct.