Sexual violence: Dakar and the UN want to strengthen support for victims
The Minister of Justice, Me Moussa Sarr, received this Friday, October 2, 2026, the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Defender of Victims’ Rights, Najla Nassif Palma. On the menu: the protection of victims of sexual abuse and violence, and the idea of a reflection committee on the subject.
According to the ministry’s press release, the hearing focused on “the protection and care of victims of sexual abuse and violence.” The UN official praised the welcome given by Senegal to the UN and its approximately 2,200 agents in the country. Its approach aims to strengthen the defense of the rights of victims, “in particular girls and women”, and to facilitate their access to justice.
Ms Nassif Palma wishes to work with the authorities to “institutionalize the care of victims”. It also intends to identify best practices and strengthen state support for victims.
The Minister of Justice welcomed this visit and recalled the “old and close relations” between Dakar and the UN, particularly through the participation of Senegalese forces in the Organization’s missions. He insisted on “the importance of an ethic of responsibility” for personnel made available to the United Nations, which refers to accusations of sexual abuse in certain peace operations.
Finally, the State could support the reflection on the creation of a dedicated committee, in order to “better understand the issues” and provide “an appropriate response to victims”. At this point, no schedule or lineup has been announced.
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