A top-down approach to put the victims at the centre of the United Nations prevention and response was declared by the Secretary-General Ant¨®nio Guterres in 2017 as part of his strategy to address sexual exploitation and abuse.
The role of the Victims¡¯ Rights Advocate was created to implement this pillar, and Najla Nassif Palma leads a system-wide effort to uphold the rights and dignity of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.
She reports directly to the Secretary-General and with UN entities, Member States, civil society, and national human rights organizations to amplify victims¡¯ voices, enhance the provision?of assistance, and ensure justice.
The strategic advocacy of the Victims¡¯ Rights Advocate covers the entire Organization and focuses on supporting communities impacted by sexual misconduct by UN personnel.
Most of the victims are women and girls from local populations, while the offenders are primarily men, including uniformed, civilian, international, and national staff in peacekeeping, humanitarian, and development settings, as well as their implementing partners.
Advancing victims¡¯ rights requires adopting a victim-centred approach that prioritizes empathy, protection, and the well-being of victims.?
The work of the Office of the Victims¡¯ Rights Advocate focuses on upholding the following rights of the victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse:
1.?The right to be treated with respect
2.?The right to receive assistance and support
3.?The right to justice and accountability
4.?The right to decide how involved?to be in United Nations processes
5.?The right to get information
6.?The right to be heard
7.?The right to privacy and confidentiality
8.?The right to be protected
9.?The right to a remedy
10.?The right to complain of the treatment you have received
Najla Nassif Palma has three key priorities in advancing the rights of the victims: voice, assistance, and justice.
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About the Author
Mollie Fraser-Andrews is the Editorial Coordinator of .
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