Joint Statement - WHA78 - Item 24.1 – Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

Joint Statement  WHO 78 th World Health Assembly(19 May – 27 May 2025)________ Item 24.1 – Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment________  Geneva, 22 May 2025  WHO 78 th World Health Assembly Item 24.1 – Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Joint Statement  Chair,Director General,Excellencies,Colleagues, I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of Albania, Armenia, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. We remain deeply committed to the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PRSEAH) across all sectors, including global health. We reaffirm that safeguarding the dignity, safety, and rights of every individual, especially the most vulnerable, is fundamental to effective health systems and upholding the principles of human rights and gender equality. This is crucial when it involves children and adolescents, because of the great impact on their development and health. We commend the WHO for the steps taken to strengthen prevention measures, enhance accountability, and provide support to survivors. These steps are...