RESDAL highlights Canada’s experience in addressing sexual misconduct in the defence sector through interregional dialogue

With the support of Global Affairs Canada through the Elsie Initiative, RESDAL held the international webinar “Supporting Those Affected by Sexual Misconduct: The Role of the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre and Lessons Learned. A Practical Experience from Canada” on March 25, in the framework of International Women’s Day. 

Moderated by specialist Cecilia Mazzotta, the event formed part of the series “Interregional Conversations from the Global South,” a cycle promoted by RESDAL within the framework of the project Women in Peace Operations: Supporting Inclusive Environments through Interregional Collaboration and National Engagement. This fifth session further consolidated the series as a key platform for exchange, which has already mobilized more than 1,500 participants worldwide. 

The webinar featured opening remarks by Ambassador of Canada to Uruguay, Carmen Sorger, and presentations by Elizabeth Cyr, Director General of Service Delivery at Canada’s Department of National Defence, Lieutenant-Colonel Kate Pinsent, Senior Military Liaison Officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Sara Alvi of the Pakistan Army. 

Institutional reform and people-centered approaches 

The discussion focused on Canada’s recent institutional review processes within the defence and security sectors, highlighting how public and official reports have enabled critical reflection on structural challenges, accountability standards, and opportunities for reform. Particular attention was given to mechanisms designed to support affected personnel and strengthen institutional integrity. 

Speakers emphasized that addressing sexual misconduct requires sustained institutional commitment, combining prevention, accountability, and comprehensive support systems. As highlighted during the session, “what is tolerated at home often continues in operations abroad,” underscoring the importance of aligning national practices with international standards. 

The role of dedicated support structures—such as Canada’s Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre—was presented as a key element in ensuring accessible, confidential, and people-centered assistance. These mechanisms were framed as essential for building trust, encouraging reporting, and addressing the long-term impacts of misconduct within defence institutions. 

Operational challenges and lessons learned 

Throughout the webinar, participants reflected on persistent challenges in addressing sexual misconduct, including cultural barriers, underreporting, resource constraints, and the complexity of coordinating responses across institutional and national frameworks. 

Speakers stressed the importance of training, leadership, and early engagement, as well as the need for continuous adaptation of policies and tools. As noted during the discussion, strengthening conduct and discipline frameworks requires “coordination, training, transparent mechanisms, and approaches centered on those affected” to reinforce accountability and trust in peace operations. 

The exchange also highlighted the value of sharing national experiences, particularly from the Global South, as a way to identify practical solutions and promote mutual learning across regions. 

A truly interregional dialogue 

The webinar gathered more than 500 participants from 60 countries across all regions, reflecting its truly interregional scope. From Latin America and the Caribbean, participants joined from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Africa was represented by Cameroon, Central African Republic, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. From Asia, participants joined from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region included Jordan, Syria, Yemen, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Finally, Europe and North America were represented by Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and the United States. 

This broad participation underscores the growing demand for horizontal dialogue spaces that bring together government representatives, defence and security institutions, international organizations, and civil society actors. 

Strengthening cooperation from the Global South 

The session reaffirmed the importance of sustaining interregional dialogue as a means to advance more inclusive, transparent, and accountable defence and security institutions. By connecting national experiences with international frameworks, initiatives such as those promoted by RESDAL contribute to strengthening cooperation and fostering safer environments in both domestic and operational contexts.