Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
UN staff member says visit to DRC aimed to identify gaps in aid and justice for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse
Loading...
Summary
An unnamed staff member said a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo included meetings with victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel and associated personnel to identify good practices, gaps and ways to strengthen victims' assistance and access to justice.
An unnamed staff member said during a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo that they met victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel and associated personnel to identify good practices, gaps and ways to improve victims' access to assistance and justice.
The staff member said the meetings were intended to give victims a stronger voice and to inform senior decision-makers of the practical constraints on the ground. "I am in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to identify good practices but also gaps and challenges in addressing victims of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations personnel and associated personnel. During my visit, I also met victims to amplify their voices, that is, how we can make efforts to ensure victims receive assistance and justice. And that is very important to me," the staff member said.
The official described the exchanges as a chance for victims to speak freely so that "the senior hierarchy, when it makes decisions, knows the constraints we face and can advocate to strengthen the assistance package for victims," adding that the meetings offered victims "a sense of relief." The staff member said the aim was also to explore how to build cohesion among international organizations, civil society and state institutions.
The statement did not specify how many victims were interviewed, nor did it list specific policy changes or commitments by United Nations entities. The staff member spoke in general terms about identifying "good practices" and "gaps," and about strengthening the assistance package for victims; details about timescale, funding sources, or concrete follow-up actions were not provided.
Observers and advocacy groups have previously urged clearer procedures for assistance and accountability in cases involving UN personnel; the staff member emphasized documenting constraints and amplifying victims' voices so that senior officials can improve support measures. The meeting, as described, focused on fact-finding and stakeholder coordination rather than announcing formal decisions or new funding.
The staff member said the discussions were meant to foster coordination across international and local actors and to inform advocacy within UN leadership. No formal vote or official UN policy change was announced during the remarks.
