IOM Myanmar recently launched its first comprehensive training on Protection, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Prevention from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) as part of its commitment to humanitarian standards addressing the capacity gaps unearthed by a staff survey. The three-day Staff Trainings (In Person and Hybrid), which began in the Country Office in Yangon was rolled out in 10 batches to 228 (Male- 96, Female- 132)  IOM Personnel, including national staff, consultants, hourly paid staff, community assistants, cleaners and security guards across the mission.

The trainings focused on enhancing participants' knowledge of protection principles and better mainstreaming them into IOM’s programming. Staff gained insights into risk mitigation of  gender-based violence (GBV) including through conducting safety audits, while also learning practical skills in psychological first aid. The sessions also deepened their understanding of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment within migration contexts, equipping them with strategies to prevent and respond to such incidents effectively.

Another key element of the training was improving staff awareness of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), ensuring that humanitarian interventions prioritize the voices and needs of the communities they serve. Participants were also introduced to the importance of mainstreaming Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into their work to better support vulnerable populations.

May Sandar Win, “This training was very useful and relevant to my work. It also served as a good refresher training for me and I will highly recommend this training to all colleagues and implementing partners .”

Hlwann Moe, "This training helps staff understand why protection is essential in delivering humanitarian assistance. It equipped us with practical tools to better support communities in challenging situations."

IOM remains committed to providing ongoing capacity building support to its staff and partners, reinforcing its dedication to ensuring the highest standards of protection, accountability, and psycho-informed support in its operations.

Notes* IOM Myanmar deployed a staff survey in February 2024 to understand the capacities of staff on the issues of protection, gender and gender-based violence (GBV), Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). The capacity assessment was carried out to inform the design of capacity-building initiatives for staff to enable the mission to be fully compliant with IN/232 on protection mainstreaming, IN/234 on PSEAH, IN/285 on AAP and IN/206 on MHPSS.