Kathmandu, Jan 8: The United Nations in Nepal, in partnership with key government ministries, has stepped up efforts to embed survivor-centred safeguards against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) within public institutions, seeking to turn policy commitments into enforceable practice.
As part of the initiative, a two-day high-level workshop was convened for joint secretaries from multiple ministries, bringing together senior officials and UN representatives to strengthen prevention frameworks, improve accountability and enhance inter-agency coordination. The discussions focused on operationalising existing safeguards rather than creating new policies, with particular attention to reporting mechanisms and survivor-focused responses.
UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal Hanaa Singer Hamdy said that sexual exploitation and abuse continue to disproportionately affect women and girls, weakening public trust and undermining service delivery. She stressed that addressing these risks is closely linked to Nepal’s broader development agenda, including progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants examined ways to integrate PSEA standards and the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention) Act into sectoral planning, institutional procedures and service delivery at the local level. The need for clearly defined roles, timelines and accountability mechanisms within ministries was repeatedly underscored.
Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla called on government bodies to identify practical entry points for embedding PSEAH measures into daily operations, noting that effective implementation depends on clarity of responsibility and oversight.
Women’s rights activist and CEDAW Committee member Bandana Rana highlighted the importance of aligning UN protection mechanisms with national priorities and state obligations, while strengthening transparency across public institutions.
The workshop also flagged gaps in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse risks faced by migrant workers at different stages of migration. Building on Nepal’s existing legal framework, participants agreed on the need for sustained training, safeguards in staffing arrangements and expanded community-based complaint and reporting systems to ensure survivor-centred protection is translated into action.
