In a letter to the
General Assembly detailing the main points of the strategy, and also a related
policy statement, Mr. Annan emphasizes that the “vast majority of those working
under the United Nations flag proudly live up to” standards of integrity, many
serving difficult and dangerous circumstances.
But the strategy comes as an acknowledgement of the fact that within the
ranks are “individuals who have violated the trust that is placed in the United
Nations by engaging in acts of sexual exploitation and abuse of the same people
that the United Nations is mandated to protect.”
In order for the strategy to be truly comprehensive, “a common approach” by
both the UN and the Member States is needed, the Secretary-General says.
“As part of its overall efforts to respond to sexual exploitation and abuse,
the United Nations commits to working with Member States and its partners to
ensure that there is a comprehensive and coordinated response to meet the needs
of complainants, victims and children fathered by United Nations staff or
related personnel.”
The strategy, representing more than 12 months of wide-ranging consultations
involving UN operations, Member States and various organizations, offers seven
main recommendations to the General Assembly on ways to deal with the issue of
sexual exploitation and abuse.
The recommendations are that the United Nations: “We are all aware of the imperative to eradicate sexual exploitation and
abuse. We must also address the harm it causes, both to the victims and to the
reputation of the Organization,” the Secretary-General declares. “A truly
comprehensive approach will leave no uncertainty for the victims and will
restore the reputation of the Organization as one that acts responsibly towards
the communities it serves.”