AI Overview
Yes, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has found that organizations funded by USAID have lacked policies to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). The OIG has also investigated and reported on instances of SEA.
Explanation
The OIG has identified gaps in USAID’s processes for preventing SEA.
The OIG has recommended that USAID update its pre-award risk assessment process and acquisition and assistance award requirements.
The OIG has investigated allegations of SEA by USAID grantee employees. For example, the OIG investigated an allegation that a USAID grantee employee impregnated his 13-year-old niece.
The OIG has referred allegations of SEA to USAID for action. For example, the OIG referred allegations of SEA by World Health Organization employees to USAID during the Ebola health crisis.
The OIG has provided USAID with recommendations to improve its controls for preventing and responding to SEA.
USAID has a policy against SEA, which defines SEA as when people in power exploit or abuse vulnerable populations for sexual purposes.