13, Mar 2018 | CJP Team

More than 1,100 female aid workers from 81 countries have signed an open letter calling for changes to be made in the humanitarian sector, the Guardian reported. This follows accusations that several major humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations, Oxfam, and Save the Children, mishandled allegations of sexual misconduct. The letter notes the women’s concern that “the culture of silence, intimidation and abuse will continue as the media spotlight on this issue begins to dim.” It emphasises, “It is the behaviour of these men, not our complaint of their behaviour, which damages the sector’s reputation and public trust.” The letter calls for prioritising allegations of sexual misconduct, and immediate action on such claims. It also highlights the need to “foster a culture where whistleblowing is welcome and safe,” saying that acknowledging and learning from abuse and its “disclosures” is “the way to win back trust of donors, the public and the communities we work with”. The letter also calls for concrete action, denouncing situations in which policies are formulated but “never implemented or funded”. The complete letter may be read here.