Documents show the WHO paid sexual abuse victims in Congo $250 each

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO’s Response to Sexual Abuse in Congo

Introduction

LONDON — Earlier this year, the doctor who leads the World Health Organization’s efforts to prevent sexual abuse travelled to Congo to address the biggest known sex scandal in the U.N. health agency’s history, the abuse of well over 100 local women by staffers and others during a deadly Ebola outbreak.

Addressing the Victims’ Needs

1. The WHO has paid $250 each to at least 104 women in Congo who say they were sexually abused or exploited by officials working to stop Ebola.
2. The amount covers typical living expenses for less than four months in a country where many people survive on less than $2.15 a day.
3. The payments were conditional upon the completion of training courses intended to help the victims start income-generating activities.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Many Congolese women who were sexually abused have still received nothing, and about a third of the known victims were impossible to locate.
• The total amount provided to the victims by the WHO is only 1% of the survivor assistance fund for victims of sexual misconduct.
• Recipients of the payments expressed that the money received was hardly enough, but they wanted justice even more.
• The WHO’s approach of requiring training before providing cash has been criticized for setting uncomfortable conditions for victims seeking help.

Further Support and Accountability

The WHO has acknowledged that more needs to be done and plans to directly ask survivors what further support they require.

Medical Costs and Compensation

The WHO has also helped defray medical costs for 17 children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse.

At least one woman negotiated compensation with a WHO doctor, including a plot of land and health care, to protect the integrity and reputation of WHO.

Insufficient Response and Distrust

• Other women who were sexually exploited by WHO staff have asserted that the agency hasn’t done enough.
• Deep distrust remains among the victims, with concerns about future health crises in conflict-hit areas.

Conclusion

The WHO’s response to sexual abuse in Congo raises questions about the adequacy of support provided to victims and the need for greater accountability within the organization.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation, particularly against women, during the Ebola outbreak in Congo. This relates to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It also touches on SDG 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. The article highlights the economic disparities between the victims and the officials involved. Additionally, SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, is relevant as it addresses the disparity in financial support provided to the victims compared to the expenses of U.N. officials. Finally, SDG 16 is connected to the issue as it focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing justice for victims of abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres.
• Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. Target 5.2 addresses the elimination of violence against women and girls, which includes sexual abuse and exploitation. Target 8.7 focuses on eradicating forced labor and human trafficking, which is relevant to the exploitation of victims in the article. Target 10.2 aims to promote social and economic inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their status, which aligns with addressing the economic disparities faced by the victims. Lastly, Target 16.3 emphasizes the promotion of the rule of law and equal access to justice, which is crucial for holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for the victims.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of forced labor per 1,000 persons.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.

The indicators mentioned can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Indicator 5.2.1 measures the prevalence of violence against women, including sexual violence. Indicator 8.7.1 focuses on the number of victims of forced labor, which is relevant to the exploitation discussed in the article. Indicator 10.2.1 measures the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold, which reflects the economic disparities faced by the victims. Indicator 16.3.1 assesses the reporting of violence to competent authorities, which is crucial for ensuring justice and accountability.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: abcnews.go.com

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