RANGPUR, Dec 25, 2022 (BSS) – Inclusive efforts of government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aid workers could play a crucial role in preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and safeguarding vulnerable groups at risk. 
 
The opinion came at a day-long training program on ‘Safeguarding and Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)’ held at RDRS Guest House here on Saturday.
 
Access Bangladesh Foundation in collaboration with PSEA Network organized the event with support of Interagency PSEA Community Outreach and Communication Fund.  
 
Twenty-four male and female participants from different Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), women OPD network, national and local NGOs working in Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Dinajpur districts participated in the event. 
 
The training was aimed to enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes of humanitarian aid workers, leaders of different OPDs working for vulnerable groups and women-focused network organizations of women with disabilities to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and ensure appropriate measures on safeguarding.
 
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation Albert Mollah inaugurated the training course by delivering a welcome speech.
 
He spoke about the importance of preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and addressing safeguarding issues in humanitarian interventions. 
 
He highlighted the safeguarding aspect and definition of safeguarding, its importance, defining vulnerable groups at risks, preventive measures and disability-inclusive safeguarding procedures, accessible reporting and responding mechanisms.
 
Project Officer of PSEA project of Access Bangladesh Foundation Md. Shohel Rana facilitated sessions on sexual exploitation and abuse highlighting on defining sexual misconduct including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 
 
He discussed roles, responsibilities and options for humanitarian aid workers when sexual misconduct occurs concentrating on immediate referrals, reports and required support to survivors and referrals for investigation. 
 
Citing several case studies, he provided information about sexual exploitation and abuse and focused on increasing awareness among participants on the issues of sexual exploitation and abuse to collectively contribute to protect the vulnerable groups.
 
“Collective efforts of humanitarian workers can largely contribute to ending any form of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual misconduct,” he said.