IASC Definition & Principles of a Victim/Survivor Centered Approach

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee endorsed the IASC Definition & Principles of a Victim/Survivor Centered Approach.

This definition represents achieving the objective laid out in commitment 1 of our IASC Strategy, "to adopt a shared definition and understanding of the elements of a VCA and related responsibilities". I would like to extend my gratitude to the IASC Champion for co-leading this initiative with UNHCR, as well as all the stakeholders who provided their expertise, input and feedback, especially IASC members, the GBV AoR, the Special Coordinator on Improving UN Response to SEA and the UN Victims' Rights Advocate. 

This definition and principles will now enable the IASC to deliver on the recommendation from the 2021 External Review to "commit to the application of a victim-centered approach in all aspects of PSEAH activity" and will provide the basis for the work of the Expert Panel on Standards for SEA and Sexual Harassment Investigations to meet a victim and survivor-centered approach.

"A victim/survivor-centred approach places the rights, wishes, needs, safety, dignity and well-being of the victim/survivor at the centre of all prevention and response measures concerning sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH)."