The United Nations has launched an internal investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation of Sudanese refugees in Chad.
The probe follows an Associated Press report detailing accusations against aid workers and security forces in displacement camps.
UN Resident Coordinator Francois Batalingaya condemned the reported abuses, emphasizing that refugees, already traumatized by war, should not face further harm.
“Those responsible must face justice,” Batalingaya stated, pledging firm measures to address the allegations.
Sudanese women and girls alleged exploitation by men offering money, assistance, and jobs, a criminal act under Chadian law.
Chad hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing Sudan’s civil war, which has claimed over 20,000 lives.
Sexual exploitation in humanitarian crises remains a recurring issue, with aid agencies often citing underreporting and resource constraints.
Experts view such abuses as a profound failure of the humanitarian system, undermining the trust refugees place in aid providers.
The UN has raised Chad’s alert level for sexual exploitation risks to its highest, enabling swift action within the next three months.
Collaborating with local authorities and human rights groups, the UN aims to ensure accountability and restore faith in humanitarian operations.
Refugees and witnesses are encouraged to report incidents, as the UN seeks to uphold its commitment to protect vulnerable populations.
