Geneva—The World Health Organization (WHO) has made significant strides in preventing and responding to cases of sexual misconduct. However, the organization acknowledges that the issue of abuse by WHO staff remains a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Gaya Gamhewage, the Director of Prevention and Response to Sexual Misconduct at WHO, stated that over the past two years, WHO has intensified efforts to combat sexual misconduct, exploitation, and harassment. While progress has been made, the number of reported cases continues to rise. Gamhewage believes that this increase is due to more cases coming to light rather than a failure in the preventive measures. The rising numbers reflect the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts in uncovering and addressing this issue.
Recent figures support this assertion. The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) has investigated 287 allegations of sexual misconduct across all WHO regions in the past 12 months. Gamhewage clarified that WHO focuses on preventing and responding to sexual misconduct within its own workforce, including staff, contractors, and implementing partners. The numbers do not include cases involving peacekeepers.
Out of the 287 investigated cases, 83 are linked to the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Approximately 25% of these cases involve alleged abuse by WHO personnel. The remaining allegations are related to other agencies working during the outbreak. WHO has received investigation reports solely concerning individuals associated with the organization, such as consultants and contractors.
In response to these allegations, Lisa McClennon, the Director of IOS, stated that 25 alleged perpetrators have been added to the U.N. Clear Check database since 2021 to prevent their future employment within the U.N. system. Some individuals have already been dismissed, including five staff members found guilty of sexual misconduct. Others who are no longer with the organization have been informed that their actions would have resulted in termination had they still been employed.
The 10th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, declared by WHO on August 1, 2018, claimed the lives of 2,299 individuals before being declared over on June 25, 2020. In November 2021, WHO established a special unit to address sexual misconduct and eradicate exploitative behavior within the organization. This decision was prompted by a sexual scandal that emerged during the Ebola epidemic, involving responders, peacekeepers, U.N. personnel, and contractors.
McClennon emphasized that the 83 identified alleged perpetrators are connected to the 2018-2020 mission in the DRC. WHO has taken appropriate follow-up actions for each case, including sharing information with national authorities, referring cases to other U.N. agencies, and issuing case closure letters to the accused. While the details of the reports remain confidential, disciplinary action is being taken in cases where the allegations have been substantiated.
According to WHO, Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean have the highest number of alleged sexual perpetrators. However, the organization refrains from disclosing the countries involved to protect the identities of the alleged perpetrators and ensure that the investigations are not compromised. Gamhewage explained that these regions, affected by numerous health emergencies and humanitarian crises, have vulnerable populations, making them susceptible to sexual abuse. The presence of a large U.N. contingent in these countries is a response to the urgent needs present.
Gamhewage stressed the importance of listening to the testimonies and experiences of victims and survivors. Understanding the risks is crucial in implementing preventive measures. While complete elimination of sexual misconduct may not be feasible, WHO aims for zero tolerance rather than zero cases.
By continuously striving to uncover all instances of sexual misconduct, WHO, led by Lisa McClennon and her team, can assess and investigate the cases that require further action. The goal is to create an environment where such misconduct is not tolerated, ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals within the organization and the populations it serves.
