IASC Six Core Principles;
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 defence.
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 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.”
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The IASC PSEA Technical Expert Group has developed a resource hub that includes a global dashboard to track progress to implement PSEA within humanitarian responses at country-level.
‘Saying No to Sexual Misconduct’ is an interactive and innovative learning package that aims to raise awareness among IASC partner staff and ensure they have the skills and tools to define, detect and respond to sexual misconduct.
The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) supports aid organisations improve their safeguarding policies and practices against Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Sexual Harassment.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse(PSEA) must be integrated into the response to COVID-19. As with any emergency, PSEA prevention and response should be a central part of coordinated humanitarian action.[4 page 352 KB]
[3 page pdf, 159.92 KB]
Interim Key Messages FLEXIBLE FUNDING FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND COVID-19 [IASC, 2020 - external link]
These key messages reflect IASC commitments and is aligned with Grand Bargain principles aimed at putting assistance into the hands of people in need and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian action.[3 page 256 KB]
Interim Guidance GENDER ALERT FOR COVID-19 OUTBREAK [IASC, 2020 - external link]
Taking into account the specific needs of women, girls,men and boys makes humanitarian response more effective and accountable to all affected populations. [ 13 page 479 KB]