Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu has reminded men and women in uniform to uphold discipline and avoid acts of sexual exploitation and abuse while on peacekeeping missions.
Speaking during the opening of a training on the Prevention and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peace Support Operations in Lusaka, Mr. Haamaundu says such acts cause suffering to victims and damage the credibility of nations involved in peacekeeping missions.
He has cautioned officers in the military, police, and correctional services to represent authority, discipline, and protection,bringing reassurance and safety, not fear or vulnerability, to the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat Brigadier Ntlelamo noted that the training is not merely a learning opportunity but a reaffirmation of shared values. He also thanked the Zambia Defence Force for collaborating with the SADC Secretariat in hosting the training.
By Edna Tembo
