Welcome to this year’s second quarterly briefing on the DFGAHO Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.

We are now midway through the final year of DFGAHO’s three-year strategic plan aimed at achieving zero tolerance for sexual misconduct across the organization.

At this mid-year checkpoint, I’m pleased to report that 73% of our planned activities for 2025 have either been completed or are currently underway—a sign of both progress and continued momentum.

Every month, DFGAHO maintains transparency by sharing updated information with Member States regarding allegations of all forms of abuse, including sexual misconduct, and the subsequent disciplinary measures taken.

So far this year alone, we have recorded:

  • 11 allegations of sexual exploitation or abuse,

  • 92 cases of sexual harassment, and

  • 66 instances of abusive conduct.

These increasing reports reflect a growing culture of openness and accountability across DFGAHO since the intensification of our safeguarding work in 2021. More individuals now feel empowered to speak up, and we are working to ensure they are heard and protected.

For perspective, since 2017, allegations against members of the DFGAHO workforce represent 8% of the total reported across the UN system. However, we know this is only part of the picture. Data suggests a significant number of cases remain unreported, echoing findings from broader UN and NGO surveys where staff often choose not to report sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment—largely due to fear of retaliation or perceived inaction.

Today, I will focus on three core areas where we’ve made measurable progress, while also addressing the persistent challenges we must overcome.

1. Strengthening Member State Safeguarding Capacity

This is a critical area where Member States play a direct and vital role.

As many of you know, Member States are among DFGAHO’s primary implementation partners. Their capacity to safeguard populations during joint operations is essential. That’s why DFGAHO has been actively supporting the voluntary PRSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) accountability framework, encouraging its adoption among our government partners.

As of today, 10 national Ministries of Health have reported progress in implementing the framework. Additionally, countries such as Ecuador and Sri Lanka have formally requested our support—Sri Lanka, for example, is now working to embed PRSEAH standards into its 10-year national health strategy.

Later this year, DFGAHO’s African Regional Office will convene a high-level gathering in South Africa to examine concrete strategies for Member State-level accountability in addressing sexual misconduct.

We urge our partners to collaborate closely with DFGAHO’s country offices, which are equipped to provide guidance with input from our regional hubs and headquarters. We’re currently finalizing new tools and technical assistance packages to strengthen this effort globally.

2. Advancing Leadership Accountability Across DFGAHO

Leadership accountability is now embedded in DFGAHO’s internal systems. Following UN-wide practice, agency heads submit annual management letters to the Secretary-General outlining the actions taken to combat sexual misconduct.

In line with this, starting last year, all DFGAHO Country Office Heads have been required to submit their own annual management letters. To date, nearly 90% have complied, and beginning this year, we are extending this requirement to Regional Directors, ensuring our entire leadership chain is aligned and accountable.

These letters do more than report activity—they highlight risks, needs, and resource gaps. Our leadership teams have collectively requested support in five key areas:

  • Capacity-building for implementing partners,

  • Community education and engagement,

  • Strengthening complaint mechanisms,

  • Financial and staffing support, and

  • Access to practical tools and guidance.

Many field offices also expressed concerns about support systems for victims and survivors, particularly during emergency deployments. Addressing these issues will require a coordinated, inter-agency response. DFGAHO is actively engaging with the Secretary-General’s Coordinator on Sexual Misconduct to push forward a comprehensive solution, and we are committed to contributing both technical expertise and funding.

3. Investing in Institutional Capacity and Survivor-Centered Systems

DFGAHO has made significant investments in institutional training and survivor-centered approaches. We have introduced a trauma-informed investigation training program to improve how we respond to victims and survivors with dignity and care.

Our Victim and Survivor Support Officer has formed a Survivor Reference Group, ensuring that those with lived experience directly shape our incident response systems and improve outcomes for others.

We are also mitigating risks within our partner ecosystem. In 15 high-priority countries, we’ve assessed 91% of implementing partners for their safeguarding readiness. Of those, 71% meet all eight core standards, and we are helping the remainder close identified gaps.

For vendors handling high-value contracts, we’ve introduced mandatory safeguarding qualifications as part of the eligibility criteria, raising the bar for responsible procurement.

By 2024, 144 out of DFGAHO’s 155 country offices completed the annual sexual misconduct risk assessment—another step forward in building a robust, evidence-informed culture of accountability.

Remaining Challenges and Our Commitment Ahead

Despite our advancements, serious risks remain. The global financial crisis facing development and humanitarian sectors has increased vulnerability and exposure to abuse, while limiting our collective ability to respond effectively.

Many women-led NGOs, vital actors in awareness-raising and survivor care, have lost funding or shut down—leaving critical gaps in frontline services.

That is why I’ve made the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct a continuing strategic priority in our alignment and resource planning. I will personally oversee this work, and the Protection from Sexual Misconduct (PRS) Team will remain under my direct office.

Later today, you will hear from two independent external providers who conducted stocktaking reviews of our systems and progress. Their findings will guide us as we shape DFGAHO’s next multi-year safeguarding strategy.

Finally, I want to thank all of you—Member States, partners, and staff—for your continued engagement, questions, and constructive guidance. Only through transparency, accountability, and collaboration can we create a safer, more respectful environment for all.

Now, I will hand over to Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, who will present the review outcomes and recommendations.

Thank you.