UN publishes annual report on trust fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse

The United Nations published Feb. 27 the annual report for the trust fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, the UN spokesperson said, noting the fund supports psychological, medical and legal assistance and income‑generating activities for survivors.

Stéphane Dujarric said the trust fund, managed by the Department of Management, aided more than 4,300 community members in the past year, including children born of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel. He said the fund has raised awareness of misconduct risks among up to 89,000 people living near UN premises in several countries.

Since its establishment in 2016, the trust fund has received more than $55,000,000 in voluntary contributions from 25 member states and payments withheld after substantiated allegations against UN personnel, the spokesperson said. "We continue to appeal to member states for additional funding for this important work," he added.

Why it matters: the fund provides direct support to victims of abuse associated with UN personnel in peace operations and other settings, and seeks to close gaps in assistance when national responses are insufficient.

Details reported at the briefing: - The trust fund supported psychological, medical and legal services and income‑generating activities for beneficiaries in the past year. - Awareness‑raising activities targeted populations living near UN premises in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Guatemala and South Sudan, the spokesperson said.

No new policy changes or formal votes on the fund were announced at the briefing.