Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation & Abuse in Liberia

February 1, 2008
United Nations Nations Unies
Dear SEA Focal Points and Alternates,
Subject: Roles and Responsibilities of SEA Focal Points and Alternates
As we begin a new year, we take this opportunity to remind all SEA Focal Points and Alternates of the vital
role that you play in implementation of UN Country Team in Liberia’s Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation
and Abuse.
As you are aware, the Terms of Reference for SEA Focal Points has set forth the roles, responsibilities,
competencies and experience required of you as an SEA Focal Point/Alternate (see attached). The SEA
Focal Point Network is the basis of the UNCT’s SEA monitoring and reporting mechanism. In order for this
mechanism to be effective, all Focal Points and Alternates are obliged to participate in specialized training
related to their function, consistently attend monthly SEA coordination meetings and prepare timely and
accurate quarterly reports of statistics and analysis of SEA complaints received, follow-up actions taken,
and any other SEA activities undertaken by each of our agencies.
We the UNCT Heads of Agencies are committed to fully implement the provisions of the Secretary-General’s
Bulletin in an effort to prevent and address SEA here in Liberia. In this regard, there is a dedicated staff
position to coordinate agency activities to ensure greater compliance with the Secretary General’s Bulletin.
However, in order to effectively do so, the Coordination Officer requires your strong collaboration and
consistent support.
We note with regret that several SEA coordination meetings in 2007 and the first meeting of 2008 had to
be canceled due to lack of quorum. Please note that consistent representation of each of our agencies at
these meetings is expected in the future.
SEA is an issue that all of us who work in the United Nations must continue to take seriously and prioritize
for action. Your vigorous efforts to educate our staff about SEA, to provide timely information to assist us
in making any necessary policy decisions and to ensure that the SEA FP Network is operating at optimal
capacity will greatly contribute to our ability to prevent and respond to SEA.
Thank you for your continued full cooperation in this important effort.
(See attached signatories’ list)
Cc: Ms. Roselyn Odera
Chief, Conduct and Discipline Unit
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