Today, Deputy Administrator Paloma Adams-Allen met with UN Special Coordinator on Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Christian Saunders as part of his introductory meetings with U.S. government officials. The meeting initiated the important relationship with Special Coordinator Saunders and signaled USAID's continued commitment to reinforce and advance common priorities around protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment in the development and humanitarian space. During the conversation, the Deputy Administrator conveyed the commitment of USAID's leadership on this issue and they discussed shared priorities around increasing awareness, institutionalizing people-centered approaches, and building a culture of accountability.
The Deputy Administrator reiterated the moral and ethical imperative to protect human rights and advance dignity for all development actors. She highlighted that through USAID's Responsibility, Safeguarding, and Compliance Division, the Agency has emphasized accountability both internally and among partners.
