The policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct launched by WHO, places the victims and survivors at its core and sets strict standards of zero tolerance, and stresses that there can be “no excuse” for sexual misconduct. 

This policy comes into effect from 8th March 2023. 

The Independent Commission, which the WHO Director-General established in 2020 to investigate claims of sexual exploitation and abuse during the response to the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, produced important findings that led to the development of the new policy, which is a crucial part of the comprehensive program WHO is implementing in response. 

The umbrella term “sexual misconduct” refers to all types of forbidden sexual behavior by employees and partners of the organization.  

For reading the complete policy document - Click here