Senegal and UN seek to strengthen support for sexual violence victims

Senegal and the United Nations are seeking to strengthen cooperation regarding the protection and support of victims of sexual violence and abuse. On October 2, 2026, Senegal's Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, met with Najla Nassif Palma, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Victims' Rights Advocate.

The discussions focused on improving access to justice and the institutionalization of victim support, with a specific emphasis on women and girls. Ms. Nassif Palma expressed a desire to work with Senegalese authorities to identify best practices and enhance state support for those affected.

Minister Sarr highlighted the long-standing relationship between Senegal and the UN, noting the participation of Senegalese forces in UN missions. He emphasized the need for an ‘ethics of responsibility’ among personnel assigned to UN operations, addressing concerns regarding sexual abuse in peacekeeping missions. The two parties discussed the potential creation of a dedicated reflection committee to better address these challenges, though no specific timeline or composition has been established.