Aid agencies delivering relief assistance to vulnerable people in South Sudan. |File Photo|.
As South Sudan joins the rest of the world to mark the day of action for the prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in the aid sector, the United States Embassy in Juba called on the humanitarian agencies to commit to a zero-tolerance policy against the sexual exploitation.
The day was designated to drum up support for accountability and protection against violations, “in relation to USAID programming, the day is critical to the success of humanitarian and development work,” the embassy said in a statement.
The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan urged all those who participate in the humanitarian and development assistance sector to commit to a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment and uphold the dignity and safety of all individuals, by actively preventing such acts.
“We call for prompt investigations of all allegations with support from the transitional government authorities coupled with swift and appropriate actions taken against the perpetrators while ensuring that survivors are supported,” it added.
“Further, we all have a responsibility to promote a culture of accountability and to encourage reporting of concerns without the fear of retaliation, the embassy concluded.
