Doctors Without Borders staff accused of sexually abusing Sudanese refugees
The medical charity admitted that its employees sexually exploited at least 59 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, offering food or jobs in exchange for sex.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has acknowledged that its staff sexually abused at least 59 Sudanese refugees who had fled the civil war. The victims included young girls, and in many cases, food or employment was offered in exchange for sexual acts.
The abuses occurred in eastern Chad and date back to 2024, about a year into Sudan's ongoing civil war. An internal MSF report from July suggested that some patterns of exploitation could amount to sexual trafficking.
According to the charity, some victims chose not to report the abuse out of fear that aid access would be cut off. Those who did report often received no response or support, and official complaint procedures were mostly ineffective.
MSF expressed deep regret for the harm caused, stating that the misconduct represents a serious breach of its values and responsibilities. The organization did not name the perpetrators but pledged to take steps to prevent future occurrences.
The scandal highlights broader issues in the humanitarian sector, where workers have been accused of sexual exploitation in multiple countries despite promises to end such abuses. Meanwhile, Sudan's crisis remains dire, with over 11 million displaced and 28 million facing acute hunger.
