UN Refugee Chief Refuses to Step Down Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Ruud Lubbers, the high commissioner for refugees, has denied any wrongdoing and refuses to resign despite allegations of sexual harassment. The standoff between Lubbers and Secretary General Kofi Annan has escalated into a public display, with Lubbers labeling his accusers as liars and the UN as "slandering" him. Annan is considering seeking legal advice on how to discipline or suspend Lubbers, while diplomats at the UN say that Annan is under pressure to take action.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ruud Lubbers, the high commissioner for refugees, has denied allegations of sexual harassment and refused to step down, despite demands from UN officials.
  • Lubbers has attacked his accusers, labelling them as liars and accusing the UN of "slandering" him.
  • Annan's office has stated that the focus of the discussion between Annan and Lubbers was Lubbers's future in the organization, particularly in light of recent developments.
  • Lubbers has a history of fighting the allegations with a battery of prominent lawyers, and Annan was advised that Lubbers would win a legal test.
  • Annan sent an open letter to the refugee commission's 6,000 staff members in July, admonishing Lubbers for his behavior and for efforts to subvert the investigation and intimidate witnesses.

Statistics:

  • 6,000: The number of staff members of the refugee commission that received an open letter from Annan in July.
  • 65: The age of Ruud Lubbers at the time of the allegations.
  • 1: The number of times Lubbers attacked his accusers as liars in a public statement.
  • 1: The number of times Lubbers accused the UN of "slandering" him in a public statement.

Sources:

  • [Warren Hoge, >United Nations, New York, article, no publication date mentioned]
  • [The Independent, London newspaper, article, no publication date mentioned]
  • [UN report, last summer, no publication date mentioned]