Rules on the sexual conduct of humanitarian workers

Aid workers can be punished or even dismissed if they engage in inappropriate sexual
behaviour. Here are the rules they must comply with:

● Aid workers are not allowed to have sex with people under the age of 18, even though
the practice is legal in their country. Stating that he was not aware of the person's actual
age is not an admissible excuse.

● Aid workers are not allowed to ask for sexual favours in exchange for money,
employment, goods or services, including when these are intended to help people in need.
Under no circumstances can they make promises to force people to accept humiliating or
exploitative behavior. This includes remuneration, or the offer of remuneration, for the sexual
services of a prostitute.

● Humanitarian workers exert influence in the distribution of material, financial and service
resources. They are therefore in a position of power vis-à-vis people who need help. Forthis
reason, humanitarian organizations strongly advise their employees and affiliates not to
have intimate relationships with someone affected by a humanitarian emergency. This type
of relationship undermines the credibility and integrity of humanitarian actions.

● When an aid worker suspects that someone in his or another organizationis violating
humanitarian rules regarding sexual conduct, he or she must report it, following the
procedure established by his or her agency.

● Humanitarian workers are required to establish and maintain a working environment that
prevents unacceptable sexual behaviour. They should encourage anyone involved in the
humanitarian response to follow the principles outlined in their codes of conduct. It is the
responsibility of those responsible to put in place mechanisms to preserve this environment
and to ensure their operation.

Download the Principles of the Inter-Organization Standing Committee (IASC) on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
(in French): http://www.pseataskforce.org/uploads/tools/sixcoreprinciplesrelatingtosea_iasc_french.doc.
This plain language version is a collaboration between the IASC Working Group on Accountability to Affected
Populations and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Translators without Borders.