PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) is a term used by the UN and NGO community to refer to measures taken to protect vulnerable people from sexual exploitation and abuse by our own staff and associated personnel.

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) committed by aid workers, including humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors. These include all persons with a contractual relationship with an organization, including UN, International and National NGO staff and implementing partners, working in the context of R4V.

When personnel of R4V member organizations commit acts of sexual exploitation and abuse against the affected population who look for protection and assistance, the values and principles of the response are betrayed, and the trust and the credibility of the entire system is undermined. It is one of the most basic failures of accountability to the people whom the humanitarian system is supposed to protect. Therefore, it is critical for humanitarian leaders to be at the forefront of the protection and response to SEA. In the context of the R4V work, it is everyone’s responsibility to undertake PSEA activities and make them coherent, systematic and integrated into the regional response.

What conduct is prohibited for R4V member organizations’ personnel?

• Any sexual activity with a child (any person under 18 years old)

• Any exchange of money, food, employment, goods, assistance or services for sex or sexual favours, including with sex workers

• Any relationship with a person benefiting from assistance and protection that involves improper use of rank or position

• Any sexual activity that is forced upon another individual

• Any use of a child or adult to procure sex for others

Obligations of all R4V member organizations’ personnel:

• To know the standards of conduct on sexual exploitation and abuse

• To comply with the standards

• To report sexual exploitation and abuse by personnel in the response

• To cooperate with investigations into sexual exploitation and abuse by personnel in the response