MSF staff abused Sudanese refugees in sex-for-food scandal

[IwantToRetire]

Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) admits some staff members and external contractors were the subjects of 59 allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, in relation to Sudanese refugees who had fled the civil war in search of safety.

Young girls were exploited in some cases, and often food or jobs were offered in exchange for sex, but an MSF investigation could not verify all 59 allegations.

The offences were committed in eastern Chad and date back to 2024 - about a year into Sudan's still-raging civil war.

MSF says it has sacked 18 culprits but told the AP news agency it was unable to identify some of the other alleged perpetrators, external.

The aid organisation also found patterns of exploitation that might amount to "sexual trafficking", its own internal report suggested in July.

Some of the victims reportedly chose not to speak out about the abuse because they feared access to vital aid would be withheld in retaliation. Those who did report the abuse sometimes received no reply or support, MSF has admitted in its own report, while official complaints procedures were mostly ineffective.

Article continues at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74ykjl8mx3o

Just disgusting that this still happens year after year. So called "compassionate" charities enabling abuse of vulnerable women by men who know how easy it is to exploit those dependent on their "good will".

I wont repeat it all, but apparently the sector is "aware" of the problem, but for instance doesn't consider it "proportionate" to have women only service provision. Lots about how after the event a charity could be fined, etc., etc..

And a suggestion that for those who do want to fund projects helping women is to find one set up and run by women locally.

I wonder is there is a directory? That would be great.

I think I might cancel too.

I've donated for probably the best part of 20 years.

I can't believe we're here again.

This is AI generated, but apparently there are some directories or listings:

there are several verified directories and global networks that list, vet, and connect local, grassroots women's groups around the world.
Because local groups in conflict zones or developing regions change frequently or may operate quietly for security reasons, these directories are managed by major feminist alliances, research institutions, and global funds to ensure they remain accurate and safe. 1]
The most reliable global databases and directories for finding and vetting local women’s groups include:

🌍 1. The Global Resource Directory (WorldWideWomen) 1]
The WorldWideWomen Global Resource Directory is an extensively researched, searchable index designed explicitly to map organizations, programs, and services dedicated to women and girls globally. 1]

• How to use it: You can search by specific categories—such as "Women's Rights," "Healthcare," or "Crisis Support"—and then filter directly by country or city to pull up vetted local operations. 1, 2]

📑 2. International Directory of Women’s Organizations 1]
For a highly comprehensive, formal registry, the International Directory of Women’s Organizations profiles over 2,000 national and grassroots women's groups across nearly every country from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. 1]

• How to use it: Maintained as an industry-standard directory for libraries and NGOs, it organizes entries alphabetically by country. Each entry lists the group's direct contact details, precise location, and their specific field of crisis or community work. 1]

🤝 3. The AWID Global Membership Directory
The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) is the largest global, transnational network of feminist organizations, boasting over 9,000 members across 180 countries. 1, 2, 3]

• How to use it: While AWID focuses heavily on funding and movement tracking through resources like their Who Can Fund Me? Database, they connect donors and activists directly to local member collectives globally. They also host specialized directories like the Online Directory of Urgent Responses, which specifically tracks front-line groups defending women in high-risk zones. 1, 2]

🌍 4. Prospera: The International Network of Women's Funds 1]
If you want to find groups by looking at who funds them locally, the International Network of Women's Funds (Prospera) provides a directory of regional women's funds.

• How to use it: Instead of tracking tens of thousands of tiny community groups, Prospera lists the trusted regional sister-funds (like the African Women's Development Fund or the Mediterranean Women's Fund). These regional funds maintain their own direct, deeply trusted local directories of the tiny, village-level women's shelters and collectives they resource.

🛡️ 5. Girls Not Brides Member Directory
If you are looking specifically for local groups protecting young girls from exploitation, forced marriage, and violence in vulnerable communities, the Girls Not Brides Member Directory is invaluable. It is a fully transparent, searchable map of over 1,500 local, grassroots member organizations working across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 1, 2]

May be worth looking at some of these.