Remarks by Dr. Aboubacar Kampo, UN Ethiopia Representative at the GOE/PSEA Network Joint Workshop

The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs,
Distinguished representatives of the Civil Service Commission,
Esteemed Government colleagues,
Members of the PSEA Network,
UN colleagues and partners,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,

On behalf of UNICEF and the United Nations in Ethiopia, it is an honour for me,  to join you today at this important workshop. I would like to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs for their leadership in convening this timely initiative.

We also commend the important work already undertaken, including the development of the proposed Code of Conduct, and extend our appreciation to Mr. Zekarias, CEO for Women’s Empowerment, for his leadership in advancing this effort.

Today’s workshop is particularly significant, as it represents the first joint initiative of this kind in Ethiopia, bringing together government institutions and the United Nations to collectively address sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment through a unified and coherent framework.

Ethiopia has millions of public servants across the country, often on the front lines of service delivery. The impact of their work on the lives, dignity, and well-being of citizens cannot be overstated. With this responsibility comes the need to uphold the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and accountability.

For the United Nations, this commitment is guided by clear and longstanding standards. The Secretary General has emphasised that the highest level of standards of conduct  is expected of all UN personnel in relation to sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly in interactions with programme participants and affected communities. Similarly, there is a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment in the workplace.

These are not merely internal standards; they reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that those entrusted with authority never misuse that power. They are rooted in the principle that those we serve must be treated with dignity, respect, and protection from harm.

Importantly, these obligations extend beyond the United Nations itself. Through instruments such as the United Nations Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Involving Implementing Partners, the UN also has a responsibility to ensure that similar standards are upheld by all its partners. In Ethiopia, one of our most important and valued partners is the Government itself.

This makes today’s initiative both timely and essential.

We recognize that Ethiopia has already taken meaningful steps through legal frameworks and institutional measures, and that many government entities have established their own internal codes of conduct. At the same time, there is a shared recognition of the need for a more harmonized, comprehensive, and explicit approach to addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment across the public sector.

The proposed Code of Conduct that will be discussed during the coming sessions represents an important step toward achieving this goal. Its development aligns closely with both national civil service reform priorities and international standards, including the UN Protocol on Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Furthermore, under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework agreed upon between the Government of Ethiopia and the United Nations Country Team, we share a commitment to strengthening systems that promote accountability, inclusion, and protection. In this context, the United Nations stands ready to provide technical support to the Government in further strengthening prevention and response efforts related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

This workshop provides a valuable opportunity not only to review the proposed Code of Conduct, but also to ensure that it is practical, contextually grounded, and capable of effective implementation across institutions at all levels.

Most importantly, this is about more than policy. It is about culture, leadership, and trust. It is about ensuring that every individual, whether a citizen accessing services, a colleague in the workplace, or a member of the community, feels safe, respected, and protected.

I encourage all participants to engage openly and constructively in the discussions, to share their experiences, and to contribute to shaping a framework that reflects both Ethiopia’s context and international best practices. Together, we have the opportunity to lay a strong foundation for a more accountable, professional, and trusted public service, and to demonstrate our collective commitment to preventing harm and upholding the dignity of all.

I thank you for your partnership and collaboration, and I wish you a productive and impactful workshop.