Call for survivor-centric safeguarding systems to curb sexual exploitation
DHAKA: Stakeholders from government bodies, development partners, and civil society on Tuesday called for a more robust and survivor-centric safeguarding framework in Bangladesh to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH).
The call was made at a national consultation titled “Strengthening Safeguarding Systems in Bangladesh,” organized by the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) Bangladesh at a city hotel in Gulshan.
Participants emphasized that safeguarding mechanisms should move beyond mere policy compliance and become more practical, integrated, and survivor-focused to ensure accountability in the humanitarian and development sectors.
Speaking as the guest of honor, British Deputy High Commissioner James Goldman reiterated the UK government’s commitment to inclusive safeguarding.
“Safeguarding should not be limited to policies and compliance; it must be translated into real action. Building community trust, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and providing meaningful support to survivors are vital for an effective system,” he said.
Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Yasmin Parveen, NDC, stated that the government is committed to building a national social movement against violence and safeguarding violations through coordinated efforts at the district and community levels.
The meeting reviewed the results of a 2025 safeguarding assessment, which highlighted persistent challenges such as limited access to safe reporting, inadequate support systems for survivors, and gaps in cross-sectoral coordination.
Kashfia Firoz, Country Lead of RSH Bangladesh, noted that the second phase of their initiative would focus on long-term structural changes, including building the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and fostering policy engagement.
Shedding light on emerging risks, Syed Rashed Bin Jamal observed that the combined impact of climate change, humanitarian crises, and displacement is exacerbating PSEAH risks for women, children, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak emphasized that safeguarding should be an integral part of program planning from the very beginning rather than an afterthought.
The consultation concluded with a set of priority recommendations, including strengthening accountability, improving survivor assistance, and integrating safeguarding into climate and development actions to create a safer environment for all.
Representatives from Plan International Bangladesh, Terre des Hommes (TdH), and various international NGOs also participated in the panel discussions
Key Highlights of the Consultation:
Survivor-Centric Approach:Shifting focus from institutional reputation to the dignity and safety of the victim.
Emerging Risks: Addressing how climate change and displacement increase vulnerability to exploitation.
Call for Accountability:Moving beyond “paper policies” to actual implementation and investment.
ocalization:Commitment to handing over leadership of safeguarding hubs to local stakeholders.
