Zambian government urged to integrate prevention of sexual exploitation into emergency response plans

The Zambian government has been urged to include prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in all drought response and contingency plans.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stressed that both national and international agencies involved in emergency relief have a duty not only to save lives, but also to protect affected populations from economic crisis.

During a presentation at the Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid Workshop in Lusaka on Thursday, UNHCR stressed the need for SEA prevention during service delivery, including the distribution of food, cash or other forms of aid.

The agency noted that critical emergencies posed major challenges for humanitarian and development organizations, as well as for their frontline workers.

“Humanitarian workers must work together to ensure that inter-agency prevention and response mechanisms are in place, including secure reporting channels,” UNHCR said.

Read more: UNICEF says Zambia’s drought response must focus on protecting children

The UN agency also recommended that employees and related personnel create and maintain an environment that prevents SEA, stressing the role of managers at all levels in supporting and developing systems that sustain this environment in all workplaces.

“Organizations must ensure that programme designs reflect the importance of addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, which are often rooted in power imbalances and unequal relationships,” UNHCR added.

Furthermore, UNHCR urged the government to ensure that the affected population has access to assistance and services that meet their needs, without any hindrance or discrimination.

The agency stressed the importance of prioritising the most vulnerable, who are at particular risk of exclusion and lack of access to essential services.

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