The World Health Organization, which emerged worldwide and undertook the purpose of protecting public health, also served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the Ebola epidemic. But today, some blood-curdling ugly news emerged about the staff of the World Health Organization sent to the region. According to the information provided by the independent commission, WHO employees used their ‘power’ to sexually abuse and harass women, including a 14-year-old child.
These ugly news about WHO employees were first reflected in the media last year in Congo, with the accusation of women. Women in the country claimed that they were forced to have sex in exchange for work, and if they refused the offer, they were fired. The events occurred during the 10th Ebola epidemic in Congo.
81 people, 21 of whom were WHO employees, played a role in sexual abuse:
Last year, the World Health Organization took action on these allegations and appointed an independent commission. The Commission would be tasked with uncovering the facts quickly, identifying and supporting individuals, ensuring that any ongoing abuse is stopped and the perpetrators held accountable.
Within the scope of this investigation, which was launched on October 15, 2020, 83 employees were found to be associated with harassment scandals and 9 rape cases between 2018 and 2020. About 21 of the accused perpetrators were confirmed to be employed by WHO. It was stated that among them there were domestic and foreign personnel.
- According to the report, 29 of the victims became pregnant as a result of the abuse, and some had to have abortions.
- The youngest victim mentioned in the report was a 14-year-old girl named Jolianne.
- The 14-year-old girl said that a WHO staff member offered to take her home, but instead took her to the hotel and she was raped.
- WHO officials announced that all employees mentioned in the report and currently employed by the organization have been terminated and are prohibited from being employed in the future.
Description of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus:
“What I want to say to victims of sexual harassment and abuse is I’m sorry. I am sorry for what the people appointed by WHO to serve and protect you have done to you. ”
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