The U.S. Embassy Calls for Action to Prevent Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

Today, we join our partners in the humanitarian and development assistance community to commemorate a day of action for Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in the aid sector. This day is important for accountability and protection against violations in relation to USAID programming, critical to the success of humanitarian and development work.

The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan urges all those who participate in the humanitarian and development assistance sector to commit to a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and uphold the dignity and safety of all individuals, by actively preventing such acts. We call for prompt investigations of all allegations with support from the transitional government authorities coupled with swift and appropriate actions taken against the perpetrators while ensuring that survivors are supported. Further, we all have a responsibility to promote a culture of accountability and to encourage reporting of concerns without the fear of retaliation.