New York, US (PANA) - A sustained global effort is needed to tackle the root causes of sexual exploitation and abuse, the United Nations said on Tuesday, warning that funding cuts risk undermining hard-won progress.
A new report by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlights system-wide measures to prevent and respond to abuse by UN personnel and partners.
It stresses that addressing the issue requires confronting “inequality and power imbalances”, noting that women and girls accounted for 85 per cent of victims between 2017 and 2025.
Since 2017, the UN has strengthened safeguards through improved policies, coordination and public reporting, all based on a victim-centred approach. But challenges remain, the report finds.
Recent cuts to peacekeeping, humanitarian and development budgets are of particular concern, as they “risk undermining decades of progress” and weakening support systems for victims.
UN officials emphasised that predictable funding is essential to maintain protections and ensure accountability across operations worldwide.
-0- PANA MA 18March2026
