A/RES/78/331 United Nations action on sexual exploitation and abuse Charter, and stressing that the actions of a few will not be allowed to tarnish the achievements of all, Noting with concern that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated risks of sexual exploitation and abuse and affected the capacity to address and investigate allegations and provide victims with assistance, and further stressing that everyone should remain safe from sexual exploitation and abuse, including while receiving any kind of aid, assistance, protection or services from the United Nations system and its implementing partners, and noting the importance of ensuring that confidential reporting channels and support services are expeditious and accessible, Welcoming the commitment by the United Nations to eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse, 1. Reaffirms its commitment to the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse throughout the United Nations system, including the agencies, funds and programmes, and takes note of the report of the Secretary -General; 1 2. Notes with concern that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed those in vulnerable situations to increased risks of sexual exploitation and abuse and limited the capacity of the Organization to provide victims and relevant Member States with assistance and to investigate allegations, urges the Secretary-General to continue to prioritize preventative action across the United Nations system, and calls upon the Secretary-General to remain actively engaged and, in collaboration with Member States, to scale up efforts to create a harmonized approach to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse throughout the United Nations system, including by enhancing the alignment of the policies and practices of the Organization; 3. Reaffirms that all categories of United Nations personnel must be held to the same standard of conduct so as to keep people safe from harm, while also preserving the credibility, impartiality, integrity and reputation of the United Nations, and remains committed to further consideration of ways of ensuring managerial, command and individual accountability; 4. Stresses the importance of Member States holding accountable those responsible for sexual exploitation and abuse, in a timely and appropriate manner, and that prevention and accountability are critical for the United Nations and its Member States to demonstrate their collective commitment to the zero-tolerance policy and for maintaining the trust of the international community and providing justice for victims, in this regard emphasizes that accountability rests on the cooperation of the Member States, and also emphasizes the need to enhance international cooperation in this regard; 5. Reaffirms its support to the United Nations for its efforts to implement the zero-tolerance policy, in particular to strengthen the Organization’s prevention, reporting, enforcement and remedial actions in order to promote greater accountability, and in this regard requests the Secretary-General to continue to work in close consultation with Member States for the effective implementation of the policy; 6. Stresses that enhanced accountability and transparency at all levels, including at the senior leadership level, both at Headquarters and in the field, contribute positively to combating sexual exploitation and abuse; 7. Recognizes that a culture of impunity could result in an increase in sexual exploitation and abuse, and in this regard underlines the necessity of immediate, safe __________________ 1 2/4 A/78/774. 24-16426