By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – The humanitarian service providers recently convened a meeting where they put an emphasis on the “do no harm” principle to address sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in aid services.
The participants highlighted the importance of safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable populations, including children and sex workers, from these violations.
The Red Cross Safeguarding Officer, Lintle Mathosi said collaboration is critical among stakeholders to ensure accountability in safeguarding practices.
She said the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) framework seeks to strengthen safeguards within the humanitarian and development sectors. Under this framework, organizations are encouraged to build effective complaint mechanisms and train staff to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse.
She highlighted that responding to such incidents is costly urging service providers to unite in preventing harassment and sexual abuse.
The United Nations defines sexual exploitation as the abuse of a position of power or trust for sexual purposes and highlights that transactional exchanges of sex are exploitative.
Mothosi also mentioned that recognition, response and reporting are essential to upholding PSEA standards, particularly in creating safe environments for beneficiaries and staff.
She said there should be clear complaint mechanisms and robust reporting systems in ensuring the dignity and rights of the beneficiaries of the humanitarian programmes.
Toka Senkoto from Partners In Health (PIH) emphasized the importance of proactive measures against sexual violence.
The participants underscored the need for coordinated efforts among government officials and civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
Senkoto pointed out the risks faced by sex workers, noting that their occupation exposes them to significant physical and psychological harm.
He stressed that service providers should not perpetuate exploitative practices, as purchasing sex is regarded as exploitation.
He highlighted that the activities under Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) aimed at promoting standardized safeguarding practices across Lesotho as the discussions centered on recognizing, responding to, and reporting cases of abuse and exploitation.
Also, during the meeting, the Lesotho Safeguarding Network was showcased and it plays a role in fostering protection and accountability in addressing abuse.
The participants shared their vision of a Lesotho free from sexual exploitation, in line with internationally recognized principles.
This focus on safeguarding comes as the world is preparing to observe the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls.
The meeting brought together representatives from humanitarian organizations, CSOs, government ministries, UN agencies, and amongst other key stakeholders.