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Najla Nassif Palma tells UN News in an interview this week that Member States need to provide better support to survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN personnel, and warned that more needs to be done to ensure victims receive justice, protection and long-term assistance.
Speaking after his release annual report 2024–2025Ms Nassif Palma said her mandate was focused on ensuring that victims were “not invisible” and that they were guaranteed “a voice, help and justice”.
Founded by Secretary General Antonio Guterres in 2017 as part of the UN strategy to strengthen protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, the Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate working across the UN system to advance victim-centered approaches and ensure survivors’ perspectives shape prevention, response and accountability efforts.
Ms Nassif Palma, the second senior official to hold the post, said direct engagement with victims had been one of the most important aspects of her work.
Over the past two years, he has visited more than 10 countries and met directly with survivors to better understand their experiences, concerns and priorities.
“The first step is to listen to the victims,” he stressed, describing their courage and resilience as the driving force behind his advocacy.
Her office works closely with Senior Victims’ Rights Officers and Victims’ Rights Focal Points deployed on the ground, who support survivors in their communities by helping connect them with medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, education and livelihood opportunities.
Promotional materials are intended to highlight the “no excuses, zero tolerance” approach to sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.
Extend help and support
This report highlights progress in expanding support for victims and children born of exploitation and abuse, including access to tuition support, skills training and income-generating activities designed to help survivors rebuild their independence and dignity.
According to Ms. Nassif Palma, more UN entities – including peacekeeping missions such as MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and DON’T MISS in South Sudan – is now allocating specific resources to provide assistance to victims.
“We are improving the way the UN listens to victims and includes their voices in decisions that impact them,” he said.
She stressed the importance of partnerships with civil society organizations, particularly women-led groups working directly with victims at the community level, to ensure survivors’ experiences inform UN policies and programs.
The report also outlines efforts to strengthen victims’ rights through UN investigative, disciplinary and judicial processes.
Ms Nassif Palma said survivors should be fully informed about the status of their cases, protected from retaliation and free to decide whether they want to participate in the investigation.
Claim paternity and child support
Another priority is working with the government to advance father and child benefit claims.
Some Member States have taken steps to provide lump sum payments or temporary financial support to victims and children while legal proceedings continue, according to the report.
Despite progress, Nassif Palma warned that major challenges remain.
He called for more specialized personnel dedicated to helping victims on the ground, more sustainable and predictable funding for aid programs, and stronger political commitment from both the UN system and member states.
“We need more support for victims at every step of the accountability process, including protections, clear updates on their cases, and real progress on long-standing father and child support claims,” he said.
‘My voice is here’ for you
Her message to survivors is clear: “Come forward. We are here to support you. My voice is here to advocate for your rights”
He also urged governments and UN entities to translate commitments into concrete actions.
“To move forward, we need sustained commitment across the UN system and member states to truly prioritize victims’ rights and turn promises into real change in their lives,” he said.
