Gender and trade

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (often referred to as the International Criminal Court Statute or the Rome Statute) is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was adopted at a diplomatic conference in Rome on 17 July 1998 and it entered into force on 1 July 2002. As of October 2017, 123 states are party to the statute. Among other things, the statute establishes the court's functions, jurisdiction and structure. The Rome Statute established four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Those crimes "shall not be subject to any statute of limitations". Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can only investigate and prosecute the four core international crimes in situations where states are "unable" or "unwilling" to do so themselves; the jurisdiction of the court is complementary to jurisdictions of domestic courts. The court has jurisdiction over crimes only if they are committed in the territory of a state party or if they are committed by a national of a state party; an exception to this rule is that the ICC may also have jurisdiction over crimes if its jurisdiction is authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

The following scenarios demonstrate examples of prohibited acts under the current standards of conduct expected of all categories of UN personnel (civilian, civilian police, military observers and military members of national contingents) as set out in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations and/or the DPKO Disciplinary Directives (including the Ten Rules: Code of Personal Conduct for Blue Helmets). These acts also specifically violate standards listed in: ST/SGB/2003/13 on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse; and ST/SGB/1999/13 on Observance by United Nations Forces of International Humanitarian Law. N.B. Allegations and reports of sexual harassment are covered by separate procedures described in ST/SGB/253 and ST/AI/379 (as may be amended).

This training manual has been created to provide Humanitarian Aid Workers in Sierra Leone with a basic understanding of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. This manual is intended for use in training all Humanitarian Aid Workers who have little or no experience or understanding of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse issues. Building on the foundation of Key Concepts including Gender, Violence, Gender-Based Violence, Power, Informed Consent and Human Rights, participants then look at expected Aid Worker behaviour as it relates to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse through the Standards of Accountability.

Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is a Secretary General Bulletin outlining the prohibited conduct, responsibilities for prevention of, and process for dealing with allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of beneficiaries by UN personnel.

This leaflet explains what you should know on the issue of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, including what conduct is prohibited and what you can do if you have a complaint or allegation on this matter.