DPKO's Comprehensive Strategy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
DPKO’s comprehensive strategy to address sexual exploitation and abuse is a three-pronged strategy, comprised of measures aimed at prevention of misconduct; enforcement of UN standards of conduct; and remedial action.
Prevention measures
Since mid-2005, generic training on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse is mandatory for all peacekeeping personnel on arrival in a mission. A wide range of training materials have been developed by DPKO, in consultation with the wider UN system(1), and numerous trainings have been conducted by DPKO for all levels of personnel. These initiatives are complemented at the mission-level with a wide range of awareness-raising measures including poster campaigns, induction briefings, intra-net web sites, newsletters, radio broadcasts and mission-specific codes of conduct. Missions are also improving welfare and recreation facilities for all categories of peacekeeping personnel using existing resources, pending the development of a comprehensive strategy in this area, requested by the General Assembly.
Enforcement measures
Due to the provision of additional guidelines and the establishment of conduct and discipline teams, allegations and investigations of misconduct are being handled in a more consistent and professional manner now than two years ago. Record-keeping, data tracking and reporting on misconduct allegations and cases has also improved. A web-based file sharing system in missions now allows confidential storage and transfer of misconduct allegations. This will be replaced in 2007 by a global database on misconduct allegations and cases covering all missions.
The Secretariat has issued proposed revisions to the draft model memorandum of understanding for troops to include a wide range of conduct issues (A/61/494). These proposals will be debated by Member States during the 61st session of the General Assembly. In addition, the Secretary-General established a group of legal experts in September 2005 and another in September 2006 to provide advice on a range of issues, including on how to strengthen the criminal accountability of UN staff and experts on mission serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The reports of these two groups of legal experts, including the international convention being proposed, will also be discussed by Member States during the 61st session of the General Assembly (A/60/980, A/61/645).
Remedial Action
The draft United Nations policy statement and comprehensive strategy on assistance and support to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations staff or related personnel (A/60/877) has been presented to Member States for their consideration. In the interim, missions have been authorised to refer complainants to basic emergency assistance.
In 2006, DPKO issued guidance to public information experts on sexual exploitation and abuse aimed at improving the flow of information to communities on issues such as the outcome of investigations and victim assistance.
(1) These materials were largely developed through the UN Joint Executive Committees on Humanitarian Affairs and Peace and Security (ECHA/ECPS) Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, established in early 2005 and co-chaired by DPKO and OCHA.