Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) violates universally recognized international legal norms and standards and has always been unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for humanitarian workers. It brings harm to those whom the UN and humanitarian agencies are mandated to protect, and jeopardizes the reputation of these agencies and their ability to provide protection.

ARLINGTON, VA – IRD, which has provided medical supplies to local partners in Sierra Leone and Liberia assisting those suffering from Ebola, is partnering with Peace Builders, Medshare and The Village Link to transport additional medical aid to Sierra Leone. IRD regularly coordinates the transport of medical and other humanitarian aid to vulnerable people in countries around the world.

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

ARLINGTON, VA – IRD and the United Nations partnered to deliver 12 tons of emergency relief to hospitals in the contested area of Slovyanoserbsk, Luhansk oblast, Ukraine. The convoy was organized in response to reports that the Slavyanoserbsk general and psychiatric hospitals and the Lyutikovskiy regional psychiatric hospital were in catastrophic condition, with no heat and little food. Patients were starving and there was an urgent need for heaters, warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene items.

Victims of armed conflict in La Montañita, a municipality in the department of Caquetá in south Colombia, inaugurated a new service center to provide assistance in a safe and dignified space Dec. 3.

The Victims Unit and municipal government worked with International Relief & Development (IRD) to refurbish a 1200 square foot office next to the town hall. Previously victims and public officials were working in a dilapidated building or traveling across town from one office to another.