ASG Christian Saunders, UN

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We interviewed Christian Saunders, Assistant Secretary General for the Office of the Special Coordinator for Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. 

Mr. Saunders just came back from a visit to Colombia where he met with community leaders and UN officials based in the country. We discussed what are the main tasks of the Office of the Coordinator for Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)and the positive changes that are happening in terms of a UN system-wide framework to address the issue.

We also spoke about how a victims' centered approach is becoming standard in the training of first responders, police officers, and the judiciary systems. 

What are the challenges when the UN is operating in fragile states and peacekeeping forces, humanitarian operations, and development programs have staff from multiple countries and cultures that have outdated ways at looking at power asymmetries in the workplace, and do not view women as equals in the public and private spheres?

He explained how he will be working with agencies in the UN system to deliver policy coordination and implementation, and how these partnerships will work in practice.

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