On February 28, USAID published the “Safeguarding Against Exploitation, Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse, and Child Neglect” proposed rule and the 60-day public comment period closes on April 29, 2024. Similar to the recently introduced assistance standard provisions, this proposed rule aims to strengthen protections for program participants, community members, project staff, and other individuals in a position of vulnerability in alignment with existing requirements for Counter Trafficking in Persons.
After the close of the public comment period, USAID will review and address the feedback submitted as part of the final rule drafting process. Final rule publication and the implementation of new contract requirements is anticipated in the first half of calendar year 2025.