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International Activities Around Protection

1) U.S. Department of State/Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM)

As of December 31, 2002, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) requires implementing partners to adopt a code of conduct that reflects the six core principles identified by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises as a part of cooperative agreements and grants. This requirement is now included in all NGO guidelines issued by the Department of State/PRM.

2) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

In September 2002, the High Commissioner for Refugees and other senior UNHCR officials signed the official UNHCR Code of Conduct. Developed to guide the activities and attitudes of all UNHCR international and local staff, the Code of Conduct is currently being circulated to all UNHCR staff, who will be requested to sign it.

View the UNHCR Code of Conduct

3) Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises

Report of the Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises

In March 2002, the IASC established a Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises mandated to strengthen and enhance protection and care of women and children in humanitarian crises and conflict and to make recommendations for the elimination of sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian personnel and the misuse of humanitarian aid for sexual purposes. In June 2002, the "Report of the Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises" was published, which identifies six core principles for humanitarian action and calls for the incorporation of these principles into the codes of conduct and staff policies of IASC member agencies. The report is accompanied by a Plan of Action, which expands on the six core principles and outlines specific steps for the prevention of and appropriate response to the sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children in humanitarian crises.

View the "Report of the Task Force on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Humanitarian Crises" and the "Plan of Action"

6) Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Protection Coalition for IDPs

The IASC Protection Coalition for IDPs, comprised of IASC member agencies, was established to analyze specific challenges to the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and to identify solutions that will enhance the security and well-being of IDPs. The efforts of the Protection Coalition are designed to support the coordination and advocacy roles of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators.

View the Terms of Reference of the IASC Protection Coalition for IDPs

To view "Protection of Internally Displaced Persons," an IASC policy paper

7) Training around Protection by InterAction Members/UN Agencies

Reach Out Training

Learn more about the Reach Out Refugee Protection Training Project

Reach Out Training schedule for 2003

8) UNICEF Child Protection Study in Iraq

UNICEF, in partnership with five international NGOs, is undertaking a study of the protection concerns of Iraqi children made vulnerable by recent war and its aftermath.

Read a press release on the study