Greece, along with the majority of members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD, has adopted the voluntary and non-binding initiative known as the “Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment” (CAPSEAH).
The “Common Approach,” which has already been endorsed by numerous countries and organisations, was developed by a Steering Committee between January 2023 and May 2024 following extensive global consultations from November 2023 to February 2024.
The Steering Committee comprises various institutions, academics, government representatives, and representatives of the civil society, including:
- Special Coordinator for Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
- UN Victims’ Rights Advocate
- Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) of the UN
- Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR)
- Core Humanitarian Standards Alliance
- DAC/OECD Secretariat
- European Commission
- Global Women’s Institute
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Center (Ghana)
- Governments of Australia, Egypt, Mexico, Uganda, and the United Kingdom
CAPSEAH does not replace existing policies but synthesises key principles and actions to enhance the impact of related efforts. It draws on elements from existing SEAH standards and commitments, including the DAC/OECD “Recommendation on Ending Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) in Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance”.
Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) stem from power imbalances and are often linked to inequalities, particularly gender inequalities. International development cooperation aims to support, assist, and protect people and countries, but workers in this field may misuse their power to commit unwanted sexual acts or coerce vulnerable individuals into sexual activities in exchange for help, services, protection, or other forms of assistance. SEAH perpetrated by those involved in development, humanitarian aid, or peace efforts represents an egregious abuse of power.
For more information on the “Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment,” visit the initiative’s website