Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment of the merits of a system for reporting sexual harassment which is independent of senior management at UNAIDs; and if she will make a statement.

I have been firm in my demand that agencies show leadership and take action alongside the UK to improve reporting mechanisms for sexual exploitation and abuse, and have requested information on the measures that they have in place and assurance that these are being effectively implemented. I will assess the evidence that they provide to determine what action needs to be taken.

DFID is leading and convening a group of likeminded donors to develop a strong, consistent approach to sexual harassment, intimidation and sexual exploitation and abuse, across the development and humanitarian sectors. This includes reviewing and shaping UNAIDS proposal for an independent, external panel to develop concrete recommendations to strengthen zero tolerance policies, including sexual harassment and abuse of power.