Switzerland - IOM’s Gender Coordination Unit (GCU) has launched a competition for the development of innovative communication tools and visuals for Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for communications and graphic arts schools in Switzerland.

“Sexual exploitation and abuse towards an affected population by a humanitarian worker negates at its heart the very reason of humanitarian assistance. IOM has a zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, but we need to be vigilant. Last year IOM worldwide interacted with over 21 million beneficiaries. We need to ensure that our staff are constantly reminded of IOM’s values, but also that beneficiaries are empowered and know what to do in a case of misconduct by a humanitarian worker. In this process, visuals and other communication tools are fundamental. That is why we launched this competition, which will capitalize on the huge graphic knowledge found in Switzerland,” said GCU head Theodora Suter.

Participants are asked to submit a visual identity with design elements (pictograms, illustrations, photo elements) that can be displayed as a standalone project or as part of a composition. Elements should be enhanced for print and digital media. Animated or stop-motion projects are highly encouraged.

Each project should include at least one A3 format poster and one animated visual. Participants are also encouraged to submit animated projects that can also work on traditional media such as flip books, to ensure that the animations can also be used in locations where there is insufficient internet access.

“The submissions should follow the objectives of IOM and its Gender Coordination Unit and these should be reflected in the poster designs. These objectives include: zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse; respect for the dignity of migrants; protection of migrants’ human rights; rejection of all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse; and no assistance, goods, jobs or money in exchange for sexual favours,” said Suter.

Once all submissions are in, a jury comprised of IOM, the UN Working Group on Accountability to Affected Populations, and one or more Permanent Missions in Geneva (countries to be confirmed) will pre-select three students based on the designs submitted. The selected students will have the possibility to travel to one of the IOM Country Offices where the three designs will be tested by focus groups made up of affected population and UN staff, to make sure the message is well received. The preferred design will be the one used by IOM in its locations worldwide.

In addition, a final prize of CHF 1,000 will be awarded to the student with the winning design, based on feedback from the focus groups.

Participants should submit their project by email to: gcu@iom.int by 31 March 2017. The winners will be informed of the results by email.

For more information on sexual exploitation and abuse, please watch this video: http://pseataskforce.org/ 

For further information, please contact Theodora Suter at IOM HQ, Tel: +41227179478, Email: tsuter@iom.int