United Nations A/RES/57/306 General Assembly Fifty-seventh session Agenda item 122 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [on the report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/604/Add.1)] 57/306. Investigation into sexual exploitation of refugees by aid workers in West Africa The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 48/218 B of 29 July 1994 and 54/244 of 23 December 1999, Recalling also paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1400 (2002) of 28 March 2002 and paragraph 10 of Council resolution 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003, Having considered the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the investigation into sexual exploitation of refugees by aid workers in West Africa,1 Recognizing the important roles and responsibilities that humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel have in protecting and assisting vulnerable populations, especially refugees and internally displaced persons, and expressing appreciation for the valuable efforts of the vast majority of such personnel in this regard, Expressing its grave concern at incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse against vulnerable populations, in particular refugees and internally displaced persons in West Africa and elsewhere, Emphasizing that the highest standards of conduct and accountability are required of all personnel serving in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, 1. Takes note of the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the investigation into sexual exploitation by aid workers in West Africa;1 2. Expresses its serious concern that the conditions in refugee camps and communities may make refugees, especially women and children, vulnerable to sexual and other forms of exploitation; 3. Condemns any exploitation of refugees and internally displaced persons, especially sexual exploitation, and calls for those responsible for such deplorable acts to be brought to justice; 4. Emphasizes the need to create an environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian crises through, inter alia, integrating the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse into the protection and assistance functions of all humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel; _______________ 1 02 56173 See A/57/465. Distr.: General 22 May 2003