Following reports that the World Health Organization reinstated staffers accused of mishandling a sexual abuse scandal during an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo – AIDS Healthcare Foundation condemns the decision to reappoint the employees as a sign the U.N. system is still struggling to handle sexual harassment and abuse allegations adequately.
“It is disappointing that no matter how many chances the WHO
has had to correct past mistakes when addressing sexual misbehavior at the
hands of its employees, it continues to make decisions that run counter to its
commitment to ‘zero tolerance’ on sexual harassment and abuse,” said AHF Chief
of Global Advocacy and Policy Terri Ford.
“We and civil society more broadly disapprove of the
pervasiveness and tacit acceptance of sexual misconduct within the WHO and the
U.N. system. Those in charge must communicate unequivocally in their actions
and words that sexual exploitation will not be tolerated in any form.”
AHF has advocated for justice for sex abuse victims and for
decision-makers within the U.N. system to hold perpetrators accountable dating back
to the scandal at UNAIDS and its then Executive Director Michel Sidibé, who
later resigned before his term ended.