Aid Workers Caught in African Child Sex Scandal
April 6, 2002 ·
Widespread sexual abuse of children by relief agency staff have been uncovered by an investigation by the U.N. High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Save The Children (SCF). The UNHCR and SCF released the findings before the report was complete because of
the disturbing nature of the allegations
the scope of the problem, and
the need for an immediate and coordinated approach to implement measures.
It is alleged that aid workers from more than 40 agencies in West Africa have been involved in extensive sexual exploitation of refugee children, offering food rations in return for favours. The children who were interviewed as part of the investigation stated that aid workers, UN peacekeepers, and community leaders had exploited them. In testimonies taken mainly from girls under 18, more than 40 non-government organizations and agencies were named along with nearly 70 individuals. SCF and UNHCR have sacked staff in response. The report said that allegations of sexual violence and exploitation involved workers locally employed by national and international NGO’s as well as by UN agencies, including UNHCR and peacekeepers. According to Paul Nolan from SCF: “The kids are in a desperate situation. In order to survive they have to make the choice between going without food or selling themselves, the only currency they have left to them. The children are not in a position to negotiate sex. This is an exploitative relationship”. UNHCR and SCF are withholding the names of the agencies until the investigation is complete.
