Voices from the Frontline: The United Nations’ Stand Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Amidst the rolling hills of Rwanda, the United Nations has taken a resolute stand against sexual exploitation and abuse. On 5 December, 2023, UN agencies gathered together to launch the initiative “PSEA at the Frontline: Together We Say No” with the aim of equipping frontline workers with critical knowledge on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and sexual harassment.

Originally developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the campaign received widespread support from the UN in Rwanda. It marked the first time a multi-agency approach was adopted, including the Resident Coordinators Office, WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNWOMEN, and UNFPA. 

Following the launch, UN staff visited four refugee camps including Kiziba, Kigeme, Mugobwa, Nyabiheke and the Nkamira Transit Center, to sensitize frontline workers who play critical roles in assistance programs. Reaching over 770 frontline workers over the course of a two-month campaign, has had a profound impact on ensuring the human rights and dignity of beneficiaries remain preserved.

Didier is a both a frontline worker and a refugee from DRC who has been living in Rwanda for 18 years. Currently working as a Camp Mobilizer for Plan International, he explains why PSEA is so important for the refugees in the camps. “There are many vulnerable people in the camps, and instances of sexual assault. As both a humanitarian worker and a refugee, I am motivated to speak on their behalf.”

“Since I joined Plan International, I have been trained on PSEA and am a strong fighter against it.”

While the PSEA trainings are helping frontline workers have a better understanding of what they can do to prevent cases of SEA and sexual harassment, the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) Social Affairs Officer at Nyabiheke Camp, Emmanuel Mbabazi, reminds us of the importance of empowering beneficiaries to report SEA.

“We frontline workers have a big role to play in PSEA. So, it’s good when we empower frontline workers to prevent sexual exploitation. However, we have also to empower the community to report it.”

One way frontline workers are enabling this is by ensuring information from trainings is trickled down to the beneficiaries themselves.

Christine Mumporeze, a Child Protection Officer overseeing community mobilizers, has worked with Plan International for seven years. She explains why it’s important for refugees to understand their rights.

“It’s important for refugees to know that the services they receive are free; otherwise, they can be exploited. If they know their rights, they can report those trying to take advantage of them,” she says. 

The process of reporting sexual harassment and exploitation remains confidential, she adds “If they want to report, we keep it confidential, so the victim can be helped.” 

The dedication of frontline workers has fostered a deeper understanding of SEA and underscored the need for robust reporting mechanisms. Aside from sensitization sessions, PSEA materials that were distributed in Kinyarwanda are now more visible, reaching hundreds and sparking vital conversations. Furthermore, the also reached an additional 267 frontline health workers and 125 security guards and cleaners working at UN facilities with trainings on SEA prevention, response and reporting mechanisms.

While significant progress has been made, Sophie Mutoniwase, IOM’s National PSEA Officer, explains the work that lies ahead. “Our work does not end here. We must continue to raise awareness, educate, and empower frontline workers to say no to sexual exploitation and abuse. It is a collective responsibility that we all share.”

This sentiment of collective responsibility is echoed by Didier, stating “We appreciate the joint efforts in PSEA in the camps because it helps reduce instances of SEA in the camps. We need to continue these joint efforts, to ensure the human rights of refugees in the camps are preserved.”

“I believe that change starts small and keeps growing to become big. After the training, and coming together to say no, there was a lot of excitement like something has awakened among the frontline workers,” states Emmanuel.

Overall, the campaign has been a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a safer environment for some of the most vulnerable in Rwanda. By raising awareness and motivating frontline workers to combat SEA and SH effectively, the UN is redefining what it means to say “Together We Say NO to sexual exploitation and abuse” here in Rwanda.