UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Kamal Malhotra (Photo: un.org.vn)Hanoi (VNA) – The United Nations (UN)’s message about zero tolerancefor sexual harassment was delivered by UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam KamalMalhotra on May 21.
“Sexual harassment offends the very principles of what we stand for as anOrganisation and undermines the core values of integrity, competence, andprofessionalism expected of all”, he quoted UN Secretary General António Guterres as saying.
As thecourage of #MeToo speakers across the world forces a reconsideration of howviolence against women is managed and ended, the UN expressed its solidaritywith victims and with the pressure for change, he said, noting that the issueis urgent in Vietnam as well as the rest of the world.
There has been denial and minimisation of sexual abuse and negativeconsequences for victims who dare to name their experiences. These are genderedexperiences: the majority of perpetrators are men and the majority of victimsare women- a reflection of how power is distributed at home, at work, and inpublic places.
Under the Agenda 2030, there is a commitment agreed by all states to endviolence against women, he underlined, adding that everyone must be part of theeffort to create a world free of violence.
“It will require belief as a starting point, enabling victims to name what hashappened to them without blame, stigmatisation or humiliation. It will requirea change of cultures in all workplaces and all organisations – whether public,private sector, civil society organisations, media or international organisationsshould practice zero tolerance with respect to violence or harassment of anykind.”
There should be consequences for those who choose to abuse and not comply. Itcannot continue that sexually abusive behaviour is considered as an inevitablepart of the lives of those abused, whether women or men, something to beendured by victims no matter the personal cost to them.
Both men and women need to step up and raise their voices against sexual abuse- examining their own behaviour, challenging abusers and supporting victims.
The UN in Vietnam reaffirms its full commitment to the UN's zero tolerancepolicy on sexual harassment. Zero tolerance means that even one case is one toomany.
It pledged to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment in whichevery staff is valued and respected. A harmonious, safe and respectfulworkplace is key to delivering on mandate for the people the UN serves. It willensure that allegations of sexual harassment are responded to swiftly, fairlyand effectively.
He said that the UN will also support and encourage Vietnam to increase itsefforts to break the culture of silence and impunity so that sexual harassmentis not tolerated anytime, anywhere in Vietnam, and that Vietnam's laws and theirimplementation is in conformity with its international Human Rights commitmentsand obligations.-VNA
“Sexual harassment offends the very principles of what we stand for as anOrganisation and undermines the core values of integrity, competence, andprofessionalism expected of all”, he quoted UN Secretary General António Guterres as saying.
As thecourage of #MeToo speakers across the world forces a reconsideration of howviolence against women is managed and ended, the UN expressed its solidaritywith victims and with the pressure for change, he said, noting that the issueis urgent in Vietnam as well as the rest of the world.
There has been denial and minimisation of sexual abuse and negativeconsequences for victims who dare to name their experiences. These are genderedexperiences: the majority of perpetrators are men and the majority of victimsare women- a reflection of how power is distributed at home, at work, and inpublic places.
Under the Agenda 2030, there is a commitment agreed by all states to endviolence against women, he underlined, adding that everyone must be part of theeffort to create a world free of violence.
“It will require belief as a starting point, enabling victims to name what hashappened to them without blame, stigmatisation or humiliation. It will requirea change of cultures in all workplaces and all organisations – whether public,private sector, civil society organisations, media or international organisationsshould practice zero tolerance with respect to violence or harassment of anykind.”
There should be consequences for those who choose to abuse and not comply. Itcannot continue that sexually abusive behaviour is considered as an inevitablepart of the lives of those abused, whether women or men, something to beendured by victims no matter the personal cost to them.
Both men and women need to step up and raise their voices against sexual abuse- examining their own behaviour, challenging abusers and supporting victims.
The UN in Vietnam reaffirms its full commitment to the UN's zero tolerancepolicy on sexual harassment. Zero tolerance means that even one case is one toomany.
It pledged to provide a work environment free from sexual harassment in whichevery staff is valued and respected. A harmonious, safe and respectfulworkplace is key to delivering on mandate for the people the UN serves. It willensure that allegations of sexual harassment are responded to swiftly, fairlyand effectively.
He said that the UN will also support and encourage Vietnam to increase itsefforts to break the culture of silence and impunity so that sexual harassmentis not tolerated anytime, anywhere in Vietnam, and that Vietnam's laws and theirimplementation is in conformity with its international Human Rights commitmentsand obligations.-VNA
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