Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — July 16, 2026 – The Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Network in Ethiopia (PSEA Network), established in 2018, has reported a significant surge in sexual misconduct allegations for the year 2025.
The network, which includes 21 UN agencies and 50 international NGOs, has been actively working to combat such crimes, particularly amidst ongoing conflicts, such as those in the northern Tigray region.
The increase in allegations highlights the persistent challenges in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse within the country.
The PSEA Network has been instrumental in providing guidance on best practices for prevention and response, yet the data from 2025 indicates a concerning rise in reported incidents, including allegations from various sectors, such as humanitarian aid workers, military personnel, and other officials.
The report reveals a geographical distribution of allegations, with the Tigray region being the most affected. It also documents systematic abuse predominantly committed by Ethiopian soldiers and their Eritrean and ethnic militia allies during the 2020-2022 war.
The lack of accountability for these crimes has led to revenge attacks in neighboring regions, according to the report.
The World Bank’s gender data landscape report for Ethiopia emphasizes the need for enhancing gender equality outcomes in the country, which could contribute to reducing poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
However, it also underscores the challenges in ensuring safety and protection for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
As the PSEA Network continues its efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse, the international community and Ethiopian authorities must collaborate to ensure accountability and prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Inter-Agency Ethiopia PSEA Network
