On 23 October, the annual WFP partner consultation took place in Rome, Italy.

David Kravchenko, Protection and Monitoring Officer at the Lviv Agrarian Chamber, was invited to the session on combating sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) as a representative of a Ukrainian organisation that successfully implements measures to combat SEA.

The session was titled ‘PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) in Action: More Than Just a Commitment!’ This session highlighted the critical role of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in humanitarian work. The discussion emphasised the importance of embedding PSEA principles across all organisational functions, ensuring that protection is woven into every aspect of the work.

Speakers included Natalia McDonald, Senior PSEA Adviser, WFP; Colin Rapno, PSEAH Manager, CHS Alliance, a representative from Geneva; Josephine Hubba, Executive Director of the Jireh Doo Foundation, a representative from Nigeria; and Natalia Peankovska, Project Manager and PSEA Coordinator at The Union of Young Roma; “Tarna Rom”; a representative from Moldova.

The LAP representative spoke about the experience of conducting PSEA training and information sessions for humanitarian workers and aid recipients, and their significance for the organisation.  “These training sessions ensure that staff and those we serve are well informed about PSEA principles, reporting mechanisms and their rights to access free support,” noted David Kravchenko.

David also emphasised the key role of implementing effective mechanisms that ensure the organisation’s PSEA commitments are met. “These mechanisms not only formalise commitments but also embed PSEA principles into the organisation’s core values and daily operations, fostering a culture of accountability and safety. It is important to note that in our organisation, we constantly ensure that all staff, regardless of their roles and functions, are well-trained and informed about PSEA. This is extremely important because very often, when we think about PSEA, we focus on service delivery, whereas in reality PSEA must be integrated into all functions of the organisation, including human resources management mechanisms, vendor and subcontractor vetting processes, procurement procedures, and so on,” added David Kravchenko

In his report, the Monitoring and Protection Officer also highlighted areas where improvements could be made regarding PSEA: “What I wish to emphasise through my address today is the need to develop a strategy that empowers partner organisations – particularly smaller ones – to assist with investigations and to provide support and assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Currently, the Lviv Agrarian Chamber is working in this context to identify partners or organisations that can provide services to investigate cases of sexual and gender-based violence. In our view, the mechanism for involving external institutions will enable organisations, regardless of their size, to better fulfil their obligations to assist victims of SEN and to act with greater accountability,” concluded Davyd Kravchenko.

Source: Lviv Agrarian Chamber