By Mitesh
WHO’s Controversial Response to Sexual Abuse Victims in Congo
Sexual Abuse Victims in Congo: Earlier this year, the head of the World Health Organization’s efforts to combat sexual abuse, Dr. Gaya Gamhewage, visited Congo in response to a major sex scandal involving over 100 local women during the Ebola outbreak. Internal documents reveal that the WHO compensated victims with $250 each, a sum criticized as insufficient given the gravity of the offenses.
The $250 payments, given to at least 104 women, were conditional on completing training courses aimed at initiating “income-generating activities.”
This approach appears to be an attempt to circumvent the UN’s policy against paying reparations, raising concerns about the ethical implications of linking compensation to vocational training.
Despite the WHO’s efforts, many victims have not received any compensation. About a third of known victims were deemed “impossible to locate,” and nearly a dozen women declined the offer.
The distributed sum of $26,000 constitutes merely 1% of the World Health Organization’s allocated $2 million “survivor assistance fund” designated for victims of sexual misconduct, particularly in the Congo.
Critics, including Paula Donovan of the Code Blue campaign, find the compensation approach “perverse.” They argue that combining livelihood support with compensation for sexual assault is inappropriate. Some victims negotiated individual compensation deals, but others claim the WHO has not done enough.
The WHO defended its approach, stating that the compensation package considered the cost of living in Congo and adhered to global guidance on cash disbursement.
Dr. Gamhewage admitted to deficiencies and committed to actively seeking direct input from survivors for additional support.
The organization also assisted with medical costs for children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse. However, allegations persist, with some victims asserting that the WHO has not adequately addressed the misconduct within its ranks.
The allocation of the WHO’s budget to prevent sexual misconduct in Congo indicates that more than 50% of the $1.5 million is designated for staff costs, prompting inquiries into the distribution of resources.
A WHO-commissioned panel identified at least 83 perpetrators during the Ebola response, including 21 WHO staffers, but accountability measures have been criticized as insufficient.
As the WHO grapples with accusations of inadequate response and accountability, the trust of victims in conflict-hit eastern Congo remains fragile. The long-term impact on the WHO’s credibility and ability to respond effectively to future health crises in the region is a growing concern.
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