General Assembly Formal Meeting: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Statement by Ambassador Michael Grant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations

New York, September 7, 2016

Mr. President,

Thank you for holding this important meeting of the General Assembly on the topic of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Canada remains deeply concerned by all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff, peacekeepers, and non-UN forces.

We welcome recent initiatives by the Secretary General and Member States to combat SEA. However, we must guard against complacency.

Greater awareness of SEA is not a substitute for action and momentum in addressing SEA is not the same as success.

The UN and Member States must first improve transparency on SEA, including by providing timely updates on the status of investigations.

The lack of information and accountability for the horrific abuses in the Central African Republic corrodes the legitimacy of the UN.

Canada believes that SEA will only be addressed through transparency and accountability. This is why we have supported the Secretary General in his initiative to publicly list troop and police contributors facing allegations of SEA.

As last year’s list has shown, Canada is not immune to SEA.

We acknowledge that there have been cases involving Canadian peacekeepers.

In acknowledging these cases, we commit to be transparent and work constructively to ensure our peacekeepers are held to the highest standards of conduct.

Second, Member States must back their pledges for zero tolerance with concrete and effective action domestically, and here at the UN, including in bodies such as the Fifth Committee and C-34, amongst others.

Third, the UN and Member States must be more innovative in their approach to assisting victims of SEA.

For example, the UN could consider developing a survivor’s charter of rights, which would clearly identify UN policies, points of contact, updates on investigations, and available psycho-social support.

Addressing SEA is the joint responsibility of the UN and Member States and there are many actions Member States can take unilaterally to fight SEA.

These include better screening, training, legislation, transparency, and reporting for all categories of personnel. Member States and the UN should also share best practices.

Fourth, the UN and Member States must do more to institutionalize their response to SEA.

Clearly, SEA is not an issue which will be addressed through small technical fixes or temporary appointments.

It requires sustained efforts over the long term by the UN and Member States, and should be structured and supported accordingly.

As a start, the UN should consolidate the position of the Special Coordinator on SEA over the long term to maintain pressure and momentum in addressing SEA.

In conclusion, Mr. President, Canada believes there remains much to be done to rid the UN of the scourge of SEA.

We will continue to engage with the UN and Member States to find ways to strengthen our collective response.

Thank you.