The Asia Community Development Organization (ACDO) established its PSEA Unit to strengthen protection, accountability, and respect for human dignity across all programs and operations. This Unit demonstrates ACDO's firm commitment to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) and ensuring a safe environment for staff, partners, and the communities we serve.
Establishment and Purpose
The PSEA Unit was formed in 2023 under the leadership of the Deputy Executive Director and the Admin/HR Department. Its purpose is to develop and oversee systems that prevent and respond to any form of SEAH within ACDO or by its partners. The Unit also coordinates with the Afghanistan PSEA Network, aligning ACDO's policies and procedures with national and global safeguarding standards.
Objectives
The main objectives of the PSEA Unit are:
- Implement and monitor safeguarding and PSEA policies to reduce risks of SEAH.
Prevention:
- Train staff, volunteers, and partners on safeguarding, code of conduct, and ethical behavior.
Capacity Building:
- Maintain safe, confidential channels for reporting and ensure a survivor-centered response.
Reporting and Response:
- Share PSEA messages and reporting information with community members and beneficiaries.
Community Awareness:
- Strengthen organizational culture and ensure compliance with PSEA principles across all departments.
Accountability:
Structure and Coordination
The Unit is led by the PSEA and Gender Focal Point, supported by Provincial Focal Points who monitor implementation in the field. It works closely with the MEAL Department to include PSEA within accountability mechanisms, and with Program Teams to ensure that protection and gender are integrated into all project designs and activities.
Key Achievements
Since its establishment, the PSEA Unit has:
- Introduced a comprehensive PSEA and Safeguarding Policy across the organization.
- Conducted awareness and training sessions for over 200 staff and partners.
- Integrated PSEA messages into community outreach and education programs.
- Established clear and confidential reporting systems, including focal points and complaint channels.
- Strengthened coordination with the national PSEA Network to ensure consistency with inter-agency standards.
Impact
The PSEA Unit has enhanced ACDO's accountability, trust, and credibility among both staff and beneficiaries. It has fostered a safer workplace, empowered communities to report misconduct, and ensured that ACDO's humanitarian and development efforts are delivered with dignity and respect.
Through ongoing training, awareness, and collaboration, the PSEA Unit continues to uphold ACDO's zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring that every individual connected to ACDO feels protected and valued.