Following disclosures of sex abuse by aid workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2020, the WHO will be held accountable.
More than 50 countries on Tuesday warned the World Health Organization (WHO) that they are demanding that members of the UN body who have committed sexual abuse be held accountable.
People who have experienced sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment must also be given appropriate support, countries said at the UN health agency’s Executive Board meeting.
“Deep Concerns”
WHO was called on to act after widespread sexual abuse by aid workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) came to light in 2020. British Ambassador Simon Manley issued a joint statement on behalf of 57 countries, expressing “deep concern” at the allegations.
These countries include, but are not limited to, the 27 EU Member States, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Chile, Japan, USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea and Ukraine.
They recognized that progress has been made in recent years and hailed the courage of victims and whistleblowers who have dared to speak out. “We encourage WHO leadership to lead by example in these areas, including by establishing clear accountability,” read the text of the joint statement.
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They called for the adoption of a victim- and survivor-centered approach. “Complaints must be dealt with quickly and abusers held accountable, so we strongly support efforts to strengthen WHO’s investigative capacity,” the text adds.
The 34-strong WHO Executive Board is responsible for advising and implementing the decisions of the World Health Assembly of Member States – the organisation’s decision-making body.