West Africa: Statement of Kenzo Oshima, Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the launch of the OIOS Report

(United Nations, New York: 22 October) - When the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by aid workers in West Africa first came up early this year, the humanitarian community was shocked. We view the problem of sexual exploitation of refugees and displaced people with the utmost gravity. We were determined to act firmly and quickly to try to ensure this kind of abuse does not recur. This was the specific instruction given to us by the Secretary-General. In parallel to the investigation launched by OIOS, we proceeded to review the whole situation: whether we had the systems and modalities that were sufficient for dealing expeditiously and firmly with such cases; what kind of training was in place for staff, either employed by or affiliated with the United Nations; what kind of accountability and recourse measures were available, and so on. In other words, we felt that the review should indicate, clearly and frankly, where there were weaknesses or gaps in existing procedures and standards of behaviour, and it should propose specific measures to remedy them and prevent abhorrent practices, which--even if proven only partially or minimally--cannot be allowed.
To do this, we decided the IASC is the most appropriate forum we have available. Because the IASC represents not only UN agencies but also includes the Red Cross Movement and NGOs, it is sufficiently broad based to take action on this issue. The IASC established a Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises in February, co-chaired by UNICEF and OCHA. The task force consulted widely with humanitarian partners, member states, and interested parties, including DPKO. The Task Force was mandated to make recommendations about preventative and remedial measures in order to strengthen and enhance the protection and care of children and women in situations of humanitarian crisis and conflict.

The problem of sexual exploitation and abuse of vulnerable populations is a global phenomenon. It is not limited to refugees, but it also concerns internally displaced persons and people in similarly vulnerable situations, and it is not geographically limited to Western Africa. While the vast majority of humanitarian workers are dedicated to helping people in need with deep commitment and with integrity, the IASC position has been and remains that "one case is too many."

The Task Force developed a Plan of Action for preventative and remedial measures, which has been endorsed by all UN Agencies, the Red Cross movement, and NGOs. This is attached to the report and is also available on the .

Most importantly, the report and the Plan of Action established six core principles to be incorporated into the codes of conduct and staff rules and regulations of member organisations of the IASC. These core principles represent the agreed principles and standards of behaviour that humanitarian agencies-whether UN or non-UN expect of their staff. Among other things, the code explicitly prohibits sex with children under 18, prohibits the exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, calls for discipline, including dismissal, against those who violate the code of conduct, and requires staff to report suspected abuses. Implementation of these codes of conduct and other measures is underway.

In related activities, training of humanitarian staff working in emergency situations has begun. In addition, programs for raising awareness among communities are going on, and committees of women have been set up among refugee populations to give the population most at risk a role in their own protection. Agencies are implementing improved aid delivery systems, including involving more women in the distribution of aid. These are just a few of the measures that have been undertaken.

The IASC also acknowledges the need to ensure due process and respect for the rights of victims, witnesses, and the accused, while ensuring that there will be no impunity.

This is an issue on which the international community has also shown great concern, including donors. We are encouraged that the US State Department has issued a new requirement to prevent the sexual exploitation of displaced children in refugee camps by explicitly endorsing the IASC codes of conduct. NGOs that do not incorporate the required principles into their codes of conduct may jeopardize new funding from the United States. The European Commission is also considering similar action. These are welcome measures.

While the immediate investigation may now be largely complete with the release of the OIOS report, the work of the humanitarian community to ensure the protection of the populations we work with is an ongoing effort, one to which we are deeply committed.