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The Zambian government has expressed deep concern over cases of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and conflict-related sexual violence in peace support operations, describing them as among the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Hamaundu, said such acts caused immense suffering to victims and survivors—most often women, girls, and other vulnerable persons—and erode the very trust that peace operations are meant to build.
He said this on Tuesday in Lusaka during the pre-deployment training on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and conflict-related sexual violence in peace support operations, held at the Grand Palace Hotel.
Hamaundu emphasized that the military, police, and correctional services were at the forefront of peace support operations as representatives of authority, discipline, and protection.
“In conflict and post-conflict settings, the presence of our men and women in uniform should bring reassurance and safety, not fear or vulnerability. Our uniform is a symbol of honour, sacrifice, and trust. It is therefore our collective duty to ensure that our actions uphold the values of humanity, integrity, and accountability at all times,” Hamaundu said.
He noted that several guiding frameworks, such as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Bulletin (2003) on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the African Union Policy on Conduct and Discipline, and the SADC Code of Conduct for Peace Support Operations, clearly outline a zero-tolerance stance on SEA.
Hamaundu added that at the regional level, Zambia continues to support SADC’s efforts to strengthen the Standby Force as a credible, disciplined, and well-prepared mechanism for peace support operations.
“The SADC Secretariat’s leadership in integrating gender, human rights, and protection principles into training curricula is highly commendable, and we reaffirm our commitment to these shared values,” he said.
SADC Head of Planning Element, Brigadier General Molathegi Ntelamo, underscored that military, police, and correctional personnel played critical roles in preventing and responding to SEA during peace support operations.
He said their responsibilities were multifaceted and required close coordination to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations and the integrity of peace missions.
“SADC is guided by international, continental, and regional instruments, which I will endeavour to unpack. However, I wish to highlight that this training is anchored in the SADC Treaty, Vision 2050, and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan,” Ntelamo said.
He stressed that addressing SEA demanded more than policy but required action, vigilance, and accountability.
“It requires that every peacekeeper, every officer, and every institution involved in peace support operations be equipped with knowledge, ethical grounding, and tools to prevent abuse and protect the vulnerable,” Ntelamo added.
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