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PSEA Training – Zahra Organization

PSEA Training

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – Ensuring a Safe and Respectful Environment in Humanitarian Work

1. Understanding SEA (Sexual Exploitation and Abuse)

Definition

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) refer to any abuse of a position of vulnerability, power, or trust for sexual purposes. According to the UN, SEA includes prohibited conduct such as harassment, transactional sex, and any abuse of beneficiaries’ vulnerabilities.

Impact

SEA harms individuals’ dignity, safety, and well-being; especially women, children, and persons with disabilities—undermining trust in aid efforts and causing long-term trauma.

Consequences

Engaging in SEA can lead to criminal charges, disciplinary actions, termination, and damage to organizational reputation.

2. UN Standards & Organizational Policies

Standards of Conduct

All NGO staff are expected to uphold the UN Core Principles on PSEA: respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for SEA.

Key Obligations

  • Mandatory reporting of suspected or witnessed SEA immediately
  • Following organizational procedures for reporting
  • Maintaining confidentiality while protecting survivors
  • Upholding professional conduct at all times

Reporting Mechanisms

  • Confidential channels (hotlines, focal points)
  • Protection of whistleblowers
  • Clear procedures for reporting and response

3. The 8 Pillars of PSEA

These eight pillars form the foundation of an effective PSEA system:

1

Leadership & Commitment

Leadership sets the tone and champions zero tolerance

2

Policy & Procedures

Clear, accessible policies aligned with UN standards

3

Risk Management

Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures

4

Community Engagement

Build trust through community dialogue and awareness

5

Staff Training

Regular refresher trainings and capacity building

6

Reporting Mechanisms

Accessible, confidential channels for reporting

7

Investigation & Accountability

Transparent investigations and fair responses

8

Monitoring & Evaluation

Regular review and continuous improvement

4. Prevention Strategies

Risk Assessment

Identify vulnerabilities within projects, especially in high-risk contexts like IDP centers and out-of-school children programs. Zahra Organization has experience working in South Kordofan with vulnerable populations.

Community Engagement

Build trust through community dialogue, understanding local concerns, and involving communities in safeguarding efforts. This approach has proven effective in our field operations.

Awareness Raising

Conduct regular awareness sessions for staff, beneficiaries, and partners. Zahra Organization performs periodic refresher trainings with additional technical updates from UN agencies like UNICEF and UNHCR.

Capacity Building

Invest in continuous training for staff on PSEA and protection issues, adapting approaches to context-specific challenges such as Sudan’s evolving conflict scenarios.

5. Reporting & Response

Reporting Channels

Use designated focal points and external mechanisms. Zahra Organization maintains a sensitive list of focal points for SEA reporting.

Confidentiality

Ensure case confidentiality while recognizing limits. Reporting is handled with utmost discretion, prioritizing survivor safety.

Survivor Support

Provide survivor-centered support with referrals to social welfare and children’s departments using trauma referral forms.

Follow-up

Investigate allegations transparently, ensuring accountability and upholding organizational integrity with clear procedures.

6. Key Takeaways

  • SEA is unacceptable; everyone has a role in prevention
  • Adhere to UN standards and internal policies
  • Engage communities and raise awareness
  • Report concerns promptly and confidentially
  • Leadership and accountability are vital
  • Regular training (at least every 3 months) is essential
  • Coordination with UNHCR and UNICEF enhances protection efforts

تدريب الحماية من الاستغلال والاعتداء الجنسي

ضمان بيئة آمنة ومحترمة في العمل الإنساني

١. فهم الاستغلال والاعتداء الجنسي

التعريف

تشير الاستغلال والاعتداء الجنسي إلى أي إساءة استخدام لموقف من الضعف أو السلطة أو الثقة لأغراض جنسية. وفقاً للأمم المتحدة، تشمل سلوكيات محظورة مثل التحرش والجنس التبادلي وأي استغلال لضعف المستفيدين.

التأثير

يسبب الاعتداء الجنسي والاستغلال انتهاك كرامة الأفراد وسلامتهم ورفاههم؛ وخاصة النساء والأطفال والأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة—مما يقوض الثقة في جهود المساعدات ويسبب صدمات طويلة الأمد.

العواقب

الانخراط في SEA يمكن أن يؤدي إلى توجيه تهم جنائية، وإجراءات تأديبية، وإنهاء الخدمة، وإلحاق الضرر بسمعة المنظمة.

٢. معايير الأمم المتحدة والسياسات التنظيمية

معايير السلوك

من المتوقع أن يلتزم جميع موظفي المنظمات غير الحكومية بالمبادئ الأساسية للأمم المتحدة: الاحترام والكرامة وعدم التسامح مطلقاً.

الالتزامات الأساسية

  • التبليغ الإلزامي عن أي اعتداء مشبوه أو مشهود فوراً
  • اتباع الإجراءات التنظيمية للإبلاغ
  • الحفاظ على السرية مع حماية الناجين
  • الحفاظ على السلوك المهني في جميع الأوقات