Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse

Engagement of the local population is core to AAP; it is also where most of the work on protection from sexual exploitationand abuse is done. Work to suppress sexual exploitation74 and abuse75 in humanitarian contexts focuses on acts by humanitarian workers that harm affected people.

Sexual exploitation and abuse are among the most serious breaches of accountability. In 2015, the IASC Principals made a formalstatement of commitment to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers. Persons with disabilities,especially women and girls, are in greater need of protection due to power imbalances.

It is essential to raise the awareness of persons with disabilities and their communities. They should know their rights andentitlements, and should have access to effective, confidential mechanisms through which they can report complaints and shareinformation regarding their assistance and protection. When responses implement PSEA policies, they should adopt a comprehensiveapproach that includes prevention, response, coordination and management.