Victims' Rights First
What is the victim-centred approach?
The victim-centred approach puts the rights and dignity of victims, including their well-being and safety, at the forefront of all efforts to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment, regardless of the affiliation of the alleged perpetrator.
The victim-centred approach is founded on the rights of victims and a set of guiding principles. It refers to a systematic way of engaging with victim(s), from the moment that allegations are known and in every subsequent interaction. It requires the empathetic, individualized, holistic delivery of continuous and reliable services in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner.
The priority is creating an enabling environment in which victims can speak to someone they can trust, safely and confidentially, that they will be listened to and heard, feel supported and empowered, and that they can express their needs and wishes.
Victims must be fully informed at every stage of the process, including about what they can expect and what is and is not possible, and to have the opportunity to provide consent before any action is taken on their behalf, giving them back as much control and sense of personal agency as is feasible. They must be protected from stigmatization, discrimination, retaliation and re-traumatization.
Training module >>The victim-centred approach also includes the creation of a working environment that is free from sexual harassment and respects the rights and dignity of all staff and non-staff members.
Victims have the right:
- To be treated with respect
- To receive assistance and support
- To justice and accountability
- To decide how involved to be in United Nations processes
- To get information
- To be heard
- To privacy and confidentiality
- To be protected
- To a remedy
- To complain
"I have the right" portrays the perspectives of victims of sexual misconduct by United Nations personnel and spotlights the United Nations' victim-centred approach to prevent and respond to these wrongs. Based on true stories, performed by actors. ?United Nations
We must be vigilant and spare no effort to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and uphold the rights and dignity of victims.”
ANT?NIO GUTERRES, United Nations Secretary-General
