CALL FOR INPUTS

In re. review/revision of the “Secretary-General’s Bulletin Special measures for protection from
sexual exploitation and sexual abuse” (ST/SGB/2003/13)

The United Nations Office of Special Coordinator for Improving the UN’s Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA), is pleased to announce a call for public submissions inviting contributions for suggested changes or additions, if any, to a review of the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, ST/SGB/2003/13 (“SGB 2003/13”).

The SGB, under review, is a key policy document issued in 2003 for the purpose of preventing and addressing cases of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse by UN personnel. It reiterated that such conduct is prohibited by the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, and defined specific standards applicable to all UN staff as well as entities working with the UN. The Bulletin was a critical step in the UN's efforts to prevent and address the longstanding challenge of sexual exploitation and abuse by its own personnel, setting the foundation for further policies and measures in this area.

In launching this call for inputs, the OSCSEA aims to identify possible gaps in the current policy (if any), introduce approaches/ language to address these gaps, align the SGB with recent UN policies, and clarify ambiguities in definitions and application.

Emphasizing the critical need for thoughtful and purposeful action in this renewal process, the Special Coordinator USG Saunders stated: “The need to review the 2003 SGB after nearly twenty years of its application is evident, and provides the opportunity here to address any gaps and inconsistencies in the SGB, thus ensuring it properly meets the original intent of the bulletin and conveys issues clearly across all contexts. Adapting SGB 2003/13 to address the recent policy and legal changes is also crucial, so this revision is not merely change for the sake of change but to ensure it supports a more meaningful victim/survivor-centered approach to our efforts to prevent and to address sexual exploitation and sexual abuse within the United Nations.”

“The consultation process associated with the review and amendment of the SGB is being structured to be as inclusive as possible and to benefit from the diversity of expertise and experience that exists, encompassing lessons learned over the last twenty years of its application, incorporating new approaches and new thinking, and to give a voice to as many people as possible, including victims/survivors.”

During this round of consultations, OSCSEA welcomes comments on the structure and substance of the SGB 2003/13 and encourages proposals and frank input on how it can best be amended and further enhanced. USG Saunders emphasizes that external consultations on policies and working methods of the United Nations are a must for ensuring transparency and for developing ‘fit for purpose’ policies that properly serve the needs of the organization and its partners.

USG Saunders and the OSCSEA very much appreciate your interest and support in enhancing protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.