EU stops funding WHO programs fighting Ebola and COVID-19 in Democratic Republic of Congo over worker sex abuse scandal
An Oct. 7 letter from the Commission marked "SENSITIVE," seen by Reuters, informed the WHO of the immediate suspension of financing for five WHO programs, including its Ebola and COVID-19 operations.The Commission, in an emailed statement to Reuters in Brussels, confirmed the move, saying that it expected partners to have "robust safeguards to prevent such unacceptable incidents as well as to act decisively in such situations.
Some 83 aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, were involved in sexual coercion and abuse during Congo's 10th Ebola epidemic, an independent commission said last month. The report cited nine allegations of rape. It seeks assurances that victims have been protected and compensated; details of WHO's recruitment process in Congo including background checks; WHO action to ensure alleged perpetrators are not re-hired by the UN or aid groups; and an independent review of "individual responsibilities within WHO for the negligence in the treatment of allegations and evidence."
Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, WHO acting director of prevention and response to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, told Reuters in an interview this week that more women have reported sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers during the Ebola crisis from 2018-2020.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More victims complain of sexual abuse in Congo scandal: WHO expertMore victims complain of sexual abuse by aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, during the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 10th Ebola epidemic
Read more »
More victims complain of sexual abuse in Congo scandal: WHO expertMore victims complain of sexual abuse by aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, during the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 10th Ebola epidemic
Read more »
After the scandals: Both Anthopoulos and Click took over World Series teams amid turmoilGeneral managers of World Series teams took over franchises crawling out of shadows of scandals
Read more »
Blackhawks abuse scandal raises culture questionsNHL continues Chicago Blackhawks investigation as questions about sport’s culture surface
Read more »
ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers suspended from Mile One Centre pending investigationThe City of St. John’s said Deacon Sports & Entertainment Limited has been informed of the suspension a little over a week before the ECHL team was scheduled to play in its home opener
Read more »
Evening Update: Bank of Canada ends quantitative easing program, moves up timeline for rate hikesAlso: Pope Francis will visit Canada for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples at bishops’ invitation
Read more »