The #MeToo moment inside the UN

[brooklynite]

CNN:

(CNN)It's a hypocrisy so heinous it seems at first glance unbelievable. UNAIDS, an organization that works to stop the spread of HIV worldwide by promoting safe sex, female empowerment and human rights is, itself, a cesspool of gender intolerance, sexual harassment and bullying, according to a new report issued by an independent panel of experts December 7.

The report makes for chilling reading. It states that UNAIDS' leadership is "in crisis," and asserts that UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, along with his secretariat staff, "fails to accept responsibility for a culture of impunity becoming prevalent in the organization, a culture that does not ensure a safe and dignified workplace for its staff, and one that fails to respect human rights in line with law and United Nations values."

The leadership of UNAIDS, the panel states, has created a work culture "of fear, lack of trust, and retaliation against those who speak up about harassment and abuse of power."

More than 60% of the UNAIDS staff provided survey information and interviews to the expert panel, and many are hard to read. One submission says, "UNAIDS is like a predators' prey ground. ... You can use promises of jobs, contracts and all sorts of opportunities and abuse your power to get whatever you want. ... I have seen senior white male colleagues dating local young interns or using UNAIDS resources to access sex workers.

(nb - the author is a friend of mine)