Background paper: Challenges and recommendations on investigations of cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers
Investigations of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) pose repeated challenges to both organisations and investigators. The CHS Alliance aims to address this by focusing its 2016 Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) conference, 5-6 September 2016, Bangkok, on investigating allegations of SEA by aid workers.
A meeting of experts in investigation and/or PSEA was convened on 5 July 2016 to highlight some of the main challenges and recommendations on the theme in a background paper for the conference. The paper is not intended to be exhaustive but rather aims to open discussion and offer some good practices and advice.
Lack of resources, indifference by senior management, improper planning, lack of adequate policies and procedures or insufficient implementation, are some of the issues faced by organisations and appointed investigators. Nevertheless, effective investigations act as a strong deterrent for potential perpetrators and are vital to prevent further SEA.
Some challenges faced by organisations relate to:
The role of management and decision-making authority.
Communication: who needs to know what, management of rumours and confidentiality.
Overlap between SEA and other types of allegations, such as fraud and corruption.
Some challenges faced by investigators relate to:
How to perform a watertight investigation.
Competences of investigators.
Personal awareness of prejudice and bias.
The paper points to the importance of preparedness through awareness-raising at all levels of the organisation, crisis management plans, investigation management protocols and investigation expertise. Management support and resources must be dedicated to the process. PSEA should also be part of an organisation’s strategic objectives and human resources (HR) plans.
Appointed investigators have an important responsibility in planning the investigation, gathering documentary evidence, interviewing witnesses and submitting an investigation report. Clear procedures, adequate line management and support will help investigators tremendously, as these activities can be stressful, even for most experienced investigators.
There are still places available at the 2016 CHS Alliance PSEA conference to be held on 5-6 September in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference will offer a safe space for participants to exchange on PSEA challenges and opportunities, as well as gather valuable learning they will be able to implement within their organisation. Participation is intended for managers, HR specialists and key decision-makers in the field of PSEA working in the humanitarian and/or development sector worldwide. While conference participation is free of charge, the CHS Alliance cannot subsidise flights or accommodation related expenses. More information and booking is available here.