Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
The United Nations has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.
The United Nations has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. In Moldova, we are fully committed to preventing and taking strong action against sexual misconduct. Our top priority is protecting and supporting victims while preserving their rights and dignity.
What is Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment?
Sexual exploitation :
Official UN Definition (SGB/2003/13):
"Sexual exploitation means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another."
What this means in simple terms?
Sexual exploitation happens when someone working in humanitarian or development assistance (like UN staff, consultants, NGO workers, or volunteers) takes advantage of their position to demand sexual activities from people seeking help. It often involves using power, trust, or someone's vulnerable situation to get sexual favors.
Examples of sexual exploitation include:
- An aid worker suggesting they can help process someone's temporary protection application faster in exchange for sexual favors
- A humanitarian worker offering extra cash assistance or priority access to services if someone agrees to sexual activities.
- Aid woker demanding sexual favors to add someone to distribution lists for winter assistance.
- A worker at a refugee accommodation center offering better accommodation or promising reunification with family members in exchange for sexual activities.
- Someone working at an aid organization offering money or help with job placement in exchange for sexual relationships.
- Aid workers paying for sexual services or visiting sex workers, even where sex work is legal.
Sexual Abuse:
Official UN Definition:
"Sexual abuse means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions."
What does this mean in simple terms?
Sexual abuse happens when someone working in humanitarian or development assistance (like UN staff, NGO workers, or volunteers) forces or pressures a person into any sexual activity. This includes, for example, touching someone sexually without their permission, making threats to get sexual activities, or making someone feel they must accept sexual behavior to receive help or stay safe. Aid workers are prohibited from having any sexual activity with anyone under 18 years old – this is always abuse, regardless of circumstances.
Examples of sexual abuse include:
- An aid worker forcing or coercing sexual acts during a private meeting or interaction with a person receiving assistance, whether at work or outside the workplace.
- A aid worker inappropriately touching or harassing someone during delivery of assistance.
- An aid worker threatening to disclose private information or photos to force a refugee into sexual activities.
- An aid worker having sexual activity with someone who is under 18 years old.
Sexual harassment (SH)
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation. Sexual harassment may occur in or outside the workplace and during or outside working hours, including during official travel or social functions related to work.
Sexual harassment is grave per se and inherently causes individual, social, and reputational harm. Sexual harassment is particularly serious when it interferes with work, is made a condition of employment, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. While typically involving a pattern of conduct, sexual harassment may take the form of a single incident. In assessing the reasonableness of expectations or perceptions, the perspective of the person who is the target of the conduct will be considered.
The key difference between SEA and SH is the victim: Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) happens when aid workers harm the people they should help, like refugees, vulnerable migrants or local community members. Sexual harassment (SH) happens when aid workers sexually harass their colleagues. Both forms of misconduct are unacceptable.
How to report Alleged Misconduct, Including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Committed by UN Personnel and Implementing Partners in Moldova
All personnel affiliated with the United Nations, including UN implementing partners, must uphold the highest standards of conduct. The United Nations takes all reports of wrongdoing by its staff or affiliated personnel and implementing partners or vendors seriously.
You are strongly encouraged to report in good faith any instances of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN staff or implementing partners in Moldova of which you become aware.
Email: psea.moldova@un.org
Call (international): + 1 212 963 1111 (24 hours a day)
Mail: UN House, 131, 31 August 1989, str., Chisinau, Moldova, MD-2068
Remember that your safety and confidentiality are our priorities. When you make a report:
- You can choose to remain anonymous when submitting a report.
- Your information will be kept confidential.
- Your report will be treated confidentially, and information will only be disclosed to those who have a legitimate need to know.
- You won't lose any assistance for reporting.
- Support services are available and you can access them at any time - you don't need to make a formal report or participate in an investigation to receive help.
- You're helping create a safer environment for everyone.
