OECD policy on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse

Reflecting its core values, the Organisation has solidified its commitment to a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusiveness by adopting a Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy, which can be found as Annex XX bis to the Staff Regulations (“Decision of the Secretary-General on prevention and response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)”). SEA refers to all forms of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature committed by OECD staff and all other persons engaged by or with the OECD against external parties, especially those in a situation of vulnerability. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Coercing individuals into engaging in sexual activities or other forms of abusive, humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour in exchange for money, goods, services, employment opportunities, or other benefits.
• Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
• Sexual assault.
• Rape or attempted rape.
• Engaging in sexual activities with children (persons under the age of 18) regardless of the local age of consent or majority and in spite of mistaken belief of the age of a person.

As stated in Annex XX bis, SEA and its attempts constitute serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal. Any matter involving SEA may be reported to the national authorities in accordance with the applicable OECD legal framework. The OECD recognises the importance of placing the dignity, safety and well-being of the victims of SEA at the centre of the prevention and response concerning SEA.

External persons can report any SEA allegations by contacting the dedicated email address: OECD.ReportMisconduct@oecd.org.

To facilitate assessment and support, reports should be submitted as soon as possible and include:

• If known, the names and functions of the victim(s) and the subject(s) of the allegations
• The nature, location and dates of any incident(s) or behaviour(s) on which the report is based; the names of potential witnesses, if any, to the incidents or behaviours in question
• Any documentation in support of the report, such as emails, photographs, medical reports or any other evidence

Anonymous reports may be allowed in the conditions set out in Annex XXV to the Staff Regulations.

OECD staff can use the reporting mechanisms set out in the Staff Regulations to report allegations of SEA misconduct.^[1]