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Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works to end hunger, improve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture for millions of people in emergency and development settings worldwide. In these contexts, gender and power inequalities often increase the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), especially for women, children, and other vulnerable community members.

In line with the UN system wide approach, FAO has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for SEA and for inaction on SEA by any of its personnel or by employees of any entities working in partnership with the Organization. All personnel and partners working with FAO must respect the rights and dignity of programme beneficiaries and host communities.  
What is Sexual Exploitation and Abuse?

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) is a severe violation of the rights, dignity, and welfare of individuals and communities that the FAO serves. 

Sexual Exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of vulnerability, differential authority, or trust for sexual purposes, including benefitting monetarily, socially, or politically from another's sexual exploitation.

Sexual Abuse is the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Reporting Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
*All FAO personnel are required to report any concerns or suspicions of SEA to the FAO Office of the Inspector General (OIG) via the FAO Hotline or directly to OIG. All complaints are treated confidentially.
Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Six Core Principles

All FAO personnel must comply with the IASC Six Core Principles relating to prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse. In summary these are:

  1. SEA constitutes acts of gross misconduct and are therefore grounds for termination of employment.
  2. Sexual activity with children (under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of local age of consent. Mistaken belief of the age of a child is not a defence.
  3. Exchange of money, employment, services or goods for sex is prohibited, including hiring prostitutes.
  4. Any sexual relationship with beneficiaries that involves improper use of position is prohibited.
  5. Any concerns regarding SEA by fellow workers or partners must be reported via established mechanisms.
  6. All personnel are obligated to create and maintain an environment that prevents SEA. Managers have a particular responsibility for this. 
FAO’s Actions to Prevent and Address Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

FAO promotes a comprehensive, cross-organisational approach to PSEA, to safeguard programme beneficiaries and host communities:

Capacity Strengthening

FAO strengthens organisation-wide PSEA capacity and understanding through awareness sessions, mandatory and refresher PSEA trainings. PSEA activities are also carried out in country by PSEA Focal Points assigned in every FAO office.

PSEA in FAO Operations

FAO has a network of over 200 PSEA Focal Points in its country and regional offices who support integration of PSEA in operations and programmes at country level. 

Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach

FAO is committed to implementing a victim/survivor-centred approach to SEA, ensuring that their rights, dignity and wishes, and well-being is respected and prioritized, and that victims/survivors of SEA are referred to specialist support and assistance locally. 

Engagement with Key Actors

The Organization engages in PSEA efforts at all levels, including with donors, Member States, the UN system, and the IASC to further strengthen coordination and collaboration on PSEA. As part of the UN system-wide approach to PSEA, FAO shares data on SEA allegations with the UN Secretariat. Read More.