Cotabato City — Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI) took part in the Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Training for Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) partners held on July 3, 2025, at Al Nor Hotel, Cotabato City.
Representing TFI at the training were Mr. Ruel Pugoy, Operations Officer; Ms. Roselle Maata, Finance Officer; and Mr. Abdel Ressan Esmael of Tiyakap Kalilintad, Incorporated, a community partner of TFI.
Organized under the auspices of the United Nations, the training aimed to strengthen the capacities of participating organizations to integrate the core standards of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) into their institutional policies, procedures, and mechanisms. It also focused on enhancing the partners’ ability to conduct PSEA self-assessments, which will serve as the basis for the development of capacity-strengthening implementation plans.
The discussions highlighted the United Nations Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Involving Implementing Partners. This protocol outlines the responsibilities of all implementing partners to ensure appropriate safeguards and immediate responses to SEA-related incidents. It is in line with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/13) issued on October 9, 2003, titled “Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.”
Central to the training were the four guiding principles that both UN agencies and their NGO partners are expected to uphold:
The United Nations does not partner with entities that fail to take appropriate action to prevent, investigate, and address sexual exploitation and abuse. Failure to comply may result in termination of cooperation agreements.
Victims’ rights, needs, and interests must be at the core of all responses, with a strong commitment to the principles of confidentiality, safety, non-discrimination, and the ‘do no harm’ approach.
A victim-centered approach must be maintained, ensuring that survivors are fully informed, actively involved in decision-making, and provide consent regarding the use of their information.
In cases involving children, actions must prioritize the best interests of the child, including their right to participate and be heard.
The training also covered the use of the UN Harmonized Assessment Tool, introduced in 2020 to align the policies and systems of both UN agencies and NGOs with PSEA Core Standards. Full implementation of the tool by all UN agencies is expected by the end of 2025.
Through the PSEA Network, a specialized training package was provided to assist NGOs in conducting their self-assessments. These assessments will guide the development of each organization’s capacity-building plans and serve as a key reference in improving safeguarding mechanisms. The package continues to be refined in response to feedback from participating organizations.
TFI reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, protection, and accountability. The organization recognized the importance of such initiatives in safeguarding vulnerable groups and ensuring ethical practices within humanitarian and development operations.
