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

The Zambian government has been urged to integrate the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) into all its drought emergency preparedness and response plans.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) emphasized that both national and international entities involved in emergency responses have a duty not only to save lives but also to protect affected populations from SEA.

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

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

“Humanitarian workers must collectively ensure that interagency prevention and response mechanisms are in place, including safe reporting channels,” UNHCR stated.

The UN agency also recommended that staff and related personnel should create and maintain an environment that prevents SEA, stating the role of managers at all levels in supporting and developing systems that uphold this environment across all workplaces.

“Organizations must ensure that program 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 affected populations had access to assistance and services in proportion to their needs, without any barriers or discrimination.

The agency stressed the importance of prioritising the most vulnerable, who face additional risks of exclusion and lack of access to vital services.

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