Sexual exploitation and abuse occur when humanitarian workers abuse their position of power, trust, or the vulnerable situation of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals to obtain sexual favors in return.
Humanitarian workers are PROHIBITED from:
- Offering money, jobs, goods, or services in exchange for sexual relations.
- Offering humanitarian assistance (e.g., food, clothing, or shelter) in exchange for sexual favors.Engaging in any kind of sexual conduct with persons under the age of 18, regardless of consent.
- Engaging in any sexual relationship obtained through force, intimidation, threat, or coercion.
- Having any sexual relationship with persons to whom they are providing assistance, even with consent.
- Making any act or insinuation of a sexual nature in exchange for assistance, services, or inclusion in UNHCR support programs.
All these acts are prohibited, even if the victim consents.
If you have been a victim of sexual exploitation or abuse, or if you know someone who has, you have the right to report it.
Ways to Report:
- Write an email to the focal point for sexual exploitation and abuse situations at UNHCR Spain via the email [email protected]. This incident will be immediately reported to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO), an independent internal oversight body.
- All complaints received through other UNHCR complaint mechanisms will be immediately forwarded to the focal point on sexual exploitation and abuse.
- You can also report in person at UNHCR offices.
- If you prefer not to file a complaint locally, you can directly contact the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, via email at [email protected] or through the online form: https://www.unhcr.org/igo-complaints.html.
When Reporting:
- Please describe the information you have about the incident, including: What happened? Who committed the act? Where and when did it take place?
- You will receive advice and help with any immediate needs for safety, protection, health, and legal guidance.
- If the investigation determines that sexual exploitation and/or abuse occurred, disciplinary measures will be taken against the perpetrator. Depending on the severity of the incident, this may include dismissal from the organization, regardless of any legal actions that may be pursued in Spain. For more details, consult this link.
Remember:
- Acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed against you are never the victim’s fault.
- Reports will be kept confidential.
- Reporting an incident will not prevent the victim from receiving assistance from UNHCR or its partner NGOs.
- All UNHCR services and those of partner NGOs are free of charge.
- You have the right to report any misconduct of a sexual nature.
- UNHCR operates under a Victim-Centered Policy, which means providing assistance and support with an emphasis on listening and prioritizing the victim’s safety, rights, well-being, needs, and decisions.