UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has joined more than a dozen countries pledging to contribute to a United Nations fund aimed at providing greater support to the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN and related personnel, according to an announcement.
The Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse was established in March 2016, and so far 15 countries have agreed to provide contributions.
“These contributions reinforce the Secretary-General’s clear commitment to putting the rights and dignity of victims first,” a UN press release said.
With the most recent contributions, the total amount available to the trust fund from voluntary contributions by member states will rise to approximately $1.5 million, it said.
This includes $102,000, which has been made available from withheld payments to troop and police contributors as a result of substantiated allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Projects to provide specialized services for victims and to strengthen community-based complaint reception networks will be implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo using the funds, the press release said.
Other projects are being identified in the Central African Republic, Liberia and Haiti.
Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed, stating that the interest in the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse was a powerful indication of the vital support and partnership of the member states in this critical area.
“We encourage all Member States to consider making a donation.”
