UN High Commissioner for Refugees Embroiled in Sex Harassment Scandal

Ruud Lubbers, former Dutch prime minister, has vowed to continue as UN high commissioner for refugees despite allegations of sexual misconduct contained in a confidential UN report. The report, published by The Independent newspaper, claims Lubbers engaged in unwanted physical contact with a subordinate female staff member in December 2003 and exhibited a pattern of sexual harassment. Lubbers has denied the allegations, stating that the incident involved merely escorting a colleague out of a room with his hand on her back.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN high commissioner for refugees, Ruud Lubbers, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, including unwanted physical contact with a female staff member in December 2003.
• The confidential UN report contains claims of a pattern of sexual harassment, with four other instances of inappropriate conduct cited.
• Lubbers has denied the allegations, stating that the incident involved merely escorting a colleague out of a room with his hand on her back.
• The UN's internal investigative report also claims that Lubbers abused his authority as high commissioner by attempting to influence the outcome of the investigation.
• Lubbers claims that none of the other women cited had made official complaints, and that the report is full of falsehoods.
• The UN is facing pressure to address the allegations and potential embarrassment, particularly in light of recent revelations of mismanagement and sexual abuse.

Statistics:

• The allegations involve a claim of unwanted physical contact in December 2003.
• Four other instances of inappropriate conduct are cited in the UN report.
• Lubbers is due to leave his position at the end of the year.
• The UN has said that it is facing increasing pressure to address the allegations and potential embarrassment.

Sources:

• The Independent newspaper
• United Nations