OCHA Standard Operating Procedures on Sexual Misconduct: Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment [EN/AR]

Eradicating sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment in the workplace is a priority for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). SEA and sexual harassment both constitute sexual misconduct and have no place in OCHA. It is important to understand that these offences are the result of unequal power relations, abuse of power and, in most cases, gender bias. SEA and sexual harassment compromise trust, weaken humanitarian action and violate United Nations principles and codes of conduct.

This compendium of OCHA standard operating procedures includes:

  • Section 1: Prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse by OCHA personnel

    • Flow Chart: Management of Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by OCHA Personnel

  • Section 2: OCHA support to Humanitarian Coordinators and Humanitarian Country Teams for country-level protection from sexual exploitation and abuse

  • Section 3: Response to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving implementing partners of Country-Based Pooled Funds

    • Flow Chart: Management of Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by Implementing Partners

  • Section 4: Sexual harassment in the workplace

    • Flow Chart: Official Sexual Harassment Complaint Submitted to the Under-Secretary-General or OCHA

  • Annexes:

    • Annex 1: Terms of Reference, PSEA Focal Point
    • Annex 2: Electronic Incident Reporting Form (e-IRF)
    • Annex 3: Standard Administrative Agreement
    • Annex 4: IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, 2019
    • Annex 5: OCHA Cross-Functional Task Force
    • Annex 6: Model Code of Conduct
    • Annex 7: IASC Fund for Investigations into Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment

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