PSEAH Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment PSEAH focuses on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in international cooperation, and on strengthening how organizations create safe, accountable and respectful environments. / What We Do / Shifting Power / PSEAH In humanitarian, development and peace settings, affected populations are at heightened risk of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Sexual misconduct is not new to international cooperation. It is rooted in the power imbalances, inequalities and cultural dynamics that have long shaped the sector. While reported cases may appear exceptional, they point to deeper, systemic risks that demand sustained attention and leadership. Cooperation Canada supports organizations and their partners to move beyond isolated policies towards organizational and sectoral change grounded in leadership, ethics, shared standards and accountability. Safe environments are built through systems, behaviours and relationships—not policies alone. This work emphasizes prevention, survivor-centred approaches and strengthening organizational culture to reduce harm and improve accountability. Through convening, coordination and collaboration, we bring organizations together to share learning, address common challenges and strengthen approaches to PSEAH. Our work supports a sector that is better equipped to prevent harm and respond effectively when incidents occur. By drawing on shared standards and sector experience, we support organizations to strengthen systems, align practices and translate commitments into action—so that international cooperation upholds the human rights and dignity of all people. What We Work On Preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment is essential to building safe, ethical and accountable international cooperation. Our work supports the sector to strengthen prevention, response and accountability, while building the tools, knowledge and connections needed to drive sustained change. Strengthening the capacity of Canada’s international cooperation sector by equipping organizations with practical tools, resources and learning opportunities Convening the sector to foster collaboration, shared learning and collective action Upholding the Leaders’ Pledge on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct by engaging and influencing leaders to champion preventive measures, ensure appropriate responses to all incidents and drive shared commitment across the Canadian international cooperation sector and partners Upholding PSEA commitments by applying the Organizational Assessment Tool to drive continuous improvement, identify gaps and encourage transparency and collaboration across the Canadian international cooperation sector and partners Why It’s Important Preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment is critical to protecting people, upholding human rights and maintaining trust in international cooperation. By addressing systemic risks and strengthening leadership and accountability, the sector can better prevent harm and respond effectively when it occurs. Addressing power imbalances and systemic risks reduces the likelihood of harm and strengthens ethical and responsible practice Leadership commitment and shared standards reinforce accountability and help drive consistent action across the sector Strengthening systems, behaviours and organizational culture improves prevention and response beyond compliance Survivor-centred approaches uphold dignity, rights and well-being of those affected Stronger collaboration and transparency support continuous improvement and help organizations move from commitment to sustained action on PSEAH Get Involved There are several ways to engage with Cooperation Canada’s PSEAH work, access tools and connect with peers across the sector. Roster of Experts Cooperation Canada Trainings PSEAH Community of Practice Leaders’ Pledge PSEA Organizational Assessment Tool News & Updates Cooperation Canada Is Powering Capacity for Impact Cooperation Canada Anti-racism 4 mins read October 22, 2025 Leading Together to Prevent Sexual Misconduct in Our Sector: A Renewed Commitment Cooperation Canada News & Updates 4 mins read October 3, 2025 Related Resources Explore the latest tools, training resources and publications on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in international cooperation. Guidelines for Investigations: A Guide for Humanitarian Organisations on Receiving and Investigating Allegations of Abuse, Exploitation, Fraud or Corruption By Their Own Staff – CHS Alliance Best Practice Guide Inter-Agency Community-Based Complaints Mechanisms – IASC UNICEF Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment – Unicef Summary of IASC Good Practices: Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Aid Workers – IASC Interim Harmonized Implementation Tool: United Nations Implementing Partner PSEA Capacity Assessment – IASC United Nations Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Involving Implementing Partners – UN
Cooperation Canada Is Powering Capacity for Impact Cooperation Canada Anti-racism 4 mins read October 22, 2025
Leading Together to Prevent Sexual Misconduct in Our Sector: A Renewed Commitment Cooperation Canada News & Updates 4 mins read October 3, 2025
Guidelines for Investigations: A Guide for Humanitarian Organisations on Receiving and Investigating Allegations of Abuse, Exploitation, Fraud or Corruption By Their Own Staff – CHS Alliance
UNICEF Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment – Unicef
Summary of IASC Good Practices: Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Aid Workers – IASC
Interim Harmonized Implementation Tool: United Nations Implementing Partner PSEA Capacity Assessment – IASC
United Nations Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Involving Implementing Partners – UN