Doctors Without Borders Staff Accused of Sexual Exploitation in Exchange for Food and Water

An internal investigation has revealed that staff members of the international medical relief organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) engaged in sexual exploitation against Sudanese refugees, sparking widespread outrage.

Doctors Without Borders announced that it has dismissed 18 employees from its Chad branch after confirming allegations related to sexual exploitation and sexual assault reported by Sudanese refugee women.

The investigation found that at least 59 refugees, who had fled the civil war in Sudan to eastern Chad, were subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation.

Victims were reportedly coerced into sexual acts in exchange for basic necessities such as food and water, or for employment opportunities. It is reported that minors were among those targeted.

The investigation indicated that these crimes had been occurring since 2024, approximately one year after the outbreak of the Sudanese civil war. Some victims reportedly did not report the abuse for fear that their aid would be cut off.

Furthermore, it was found that in some cases where abuse was reported, the official handling procedures failed to function properly.

The incident came to light after the Associated Press reported in November 2024 that Sudanese women at a refugee camp in Chad testified to being sexually exploited by Doctors Without Borders staff.

Following the report, Doctors Without Borders conducted an extensive internal investigation involving its entire staff over several months.

Doctors Without Borders stated, "Some of the allegations were confirmed to be true, leading to immediate disciplinary action. However, there were also allegations that could not be verified because the identities of the victims or the accused could not be confirmed."

The organization added, "This matter is a serious violation of the values and responsibilities of Doctors Without Borders," and stated that it would strengthen its response systems and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Lee Da-in | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.