A victim-centred approach
This video contains testimonies of victims and was developed as an initiative of the High Commissioner IASC Championship on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment. The video is used as part of an exercise to prompt discussion and dialogue around sexual misconduct and workplace culture.
In December 2020, the Organization adopted a Policy on a Victim-centred approach in UNHCR’s response to Sexual Misconduct – the first of its kind in the UN system. It focuses on ensuring the safety, rights, well-being and expressed needs and choices of victims/survivors when responding to sexual misconduct.
Putting victims at the centre of our efforts is an essential pillar in our efforts to tackle sexual misconduct. It is critical to ensure they feel safe and free to speak up and know where to seek advice and help. It also means we listen to them and provide support and assistance safely and sensitively, informed by their needs.
Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) represent a grave breach of trust and of the right to safety, security and dignity of affected communities. Sexual harassment (SH) undermines the right of personnel to be safe and treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and connection with work.
A Victim-centred approach is a way of engaging with victims that prioritizes listening, avoids re-traumatization, and systematically focuses on their safety, rights, well-being, expressed needs and choices. The purpose is to give back as much control to victims as feasible and ensure the empathetic delivery of services in a non-judgmental manner.
Putting victims first
A victim-centred approach in action
Since UNHCR adopted a policy on a victim-centred approach in addressing sexual misconduct in 2020, a coordinated effort has been underway to operationalize its ten fundamental principles, which aim to place the needs and wishes of victims at the centre of all prevention and response efforts. To support the implementation of the policy, relevant UNHCR divisions and entities have worked to define and clarify roles and responsibilities under the policy, including through the development of Standard Operating Procedures on how to implement a Victim-Centred Approach in their specific processes and the integration of concepts and principles of the policy into different thematic trainings carried out across the organization.
Victim care in action
Victims of sexual harassment are supported by UNHCR’s Victim Care Officer. This support is automatically provided to victims unless they choose otherwise, shifting the onus from the individual to the organization. The Victim Care Officer, a Clinical Psychologist, provides psychosocial support, confidential guidance on processes and services, supports decision making, accompanies victims through the process, coordinates action on their behalf, and assesses risks and individual needs. This service also provides guidance to witnesses and advice to managers on support and risk mitigation for sexual harassment.
UNHCR's Senior Coordinator on PSEA/SH meets with the organization We Are Alight which prevents and responds to Gender-Based-Violence, in Sudan.
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UNHCR’s global network of 400 peer advisors also provides critical support in the context of harassment, particularly in preventing and mitigating tensions and grievances, supporting colleagues, and promoting better workplaces.
UNHCR has another network of 400 PSEA focal points with specific responsibilities related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, including helping refugee victims access support resources and carrying out training and awareness-raising activities. Their presence across 132 countries is key in helping identify and support victims.
In line with the Victim-Centred Approach, victims of SEA receive multi-sectoral support through gender-based violence and child protection programmes. Standard operating procedures are in place at the field level, in camps and urban settings, to ensure the safety of victims who report abuse and to guide their safe referral to services such as legal, medical and psychosocial support.
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In line with the Victim-Centred Approach, victims of SEA receive multi-sectoral support through gender-based violence and child protection programmes. Standard operating procedures are in place at the field level, in camps and urban settings, to ensure the safety of victims who report abuse and to guide their safe referral to services such as legal, medical and psychosocial support.
Mildred Ouma, Former Senior Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Officer and PSEA Focal Point:
"Engaging with communities has been at the centre of the operation's work on SEA prevention. To gain the trust of communities and encourage victims to speak up, the operation continues to put in place measures to ensure a responsive, empathetic, transparent and consistent response, and strives to provide regular feedback in addition to the multi-sectoral support offered."