The United Nations in Chad has initiated an internal investigation following a report by the Associated Press detailing allegations of sexual exploitation of Sudanese refugees, including by aid workers.
The UN statement emphasized the seriousness of the accusations, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. The organization stressed that refugees, already vulnerable and traumatized, should not be subjected to further abuse.
The AP report detailed accounts from Sudanese women and girls who alleged sexual exploitation by aid workers, security forces, and others in exchange for money, assistance, or jobs. Such acts are considered crimes under Chadian law.
Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad to escape the ongoing civil war. Unfortunately, sexual exploitation is a persistent issue in humanitarian crises, often stemming from a lack of reporting, insufficient funding, and a prioritization of basic necessities.
Experts highlight the significant failure of the aid community in addressing this problem, emphasizing that those seeking protection should not be forced into survival-driven choices.
In response to the AP’s report, the UN raised the risk alert level for sexual exploitation and abuse to the highest level. This heightened alert will enable the organization to implement rapid measures over the next three months.
The UN is cooperating with local authorities and human rights groups to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability. The organization has also urged anyone with information about sexual exploitation to come forward.