WHO workers accused of sexual harassment in Congo

World Health Organization staffers who were positioned in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help with the Ebola crisis were accused of sexual harassment. A probe conducted by an independent organization confirmed that the claim had merit. 

The final report submitted identifies dozens of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, out of the many perpetrators, 21 are members of WHO employed in Congo during the Ebola outbreak from August 2018 to June 2020. WHO is an internationally acclaimed civil service body whose foremost role is to safeguard and protect the interests and health and well-being of all people regardless of any discrimination. Therefore, it is shocking and sad to see such acts meted out by WHO members. The staffers include male WHO doctors, consultants, drivers, and others. The accused allegedly coerced young women into having sexual relations with them in exchange for the promise of a job. This incident also brings to light the failure of higher ranking WHO officials in maintaining their staff and conducting official inquiries to prevent such incidents. Medical staff deployed by Congo's Health Ministry who were named in the report as temporary hires also faced charges. 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his news conference that "this is a dark day for WHO". He apologized and thanked all the victims who came forward, Tedros pledged to overhaul and review the organization's sexual abuse policies. 

Source: The Washington Post