Sexual exploitation and abuse refers to all forms of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature committed by NGO “UCSR” personnel against recipients of assistance and other members of local communities. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18). A mistaken belief that the child is over 18 is no defense. Even in a country where the age of majority or the age of consent is lower than 18, all NGO “UCSR” staff and other personnel are forbidden to have sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18.
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex or sexual favours. This includes any exchange of money, food, employment, goods, assistance, or services for sex or sexual favours.
• Sexual activity with prostitutes, even when it is legal in the country.
• Using a child or adult to procure sex for others.

Sexual harassment occurs between personnel in the workplace and is defined as “any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person.” Sexual harassment happens when it interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or when it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. It can be a one-off act or a series of incidents.

NGO “UCSR” staff members are protected from retaliation for reporting allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse or sexual harassment in good faith. Retaliation is prohibited and, if established, constitutes sanctionable misconduct. Staff members who believe that they have been the victim of retaliation may seek informal redress or make a formal complaint to the Ethics and Business Conduct Committee at ucsr2012@ukr.net