Zero Tolerance in Practice: WHO Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Misconduct 2026–2029

Overview

In line with the WHO Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct1, this Strategy applies to the three levels of the World Health Organization, in addition to IARC, ICC and UNITAID and it refers to all forms of prohibited sexual behaviour, termed “sexual misconduct”, which encompasses sexual exploitation, sexua abuse, and sexual harassment, aligned with United Nations system standards2. WHO has adopted an integrated approach to the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct, recognizing that these forms of wrongdoing are driven by power imbalances and inequality and require coherent, end-to-end action across all operational contexts.

WHOʼs commitment to zero tolerance refers to zero tolerance for acts of sexual misconduct, zero tolerance for inaction to prevent, report, or respond to such acts, and zero tolerance for retaliation against victims/survivors or those who report concerns.