Fiji UN staff accused of sexual misconduct

FIJI – The United Nations is investigating senior staff based in Fiji over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The male staffers work for the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), which has an office of about 15 people in Suva.

A UN spokeswoman based in Bangkok confirmed a “number of allegations” had been made about senior staff members at the office.

“As a result, WFP has decided to investigate formally,” she said on Thursday. “At this stage it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

A UN staffer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the allegations against the two staff members surfaced last week.

Both men had been suspended pending a formal investigation, the staffer said.

The allegations had been made by up to three female staff members at the WFP in Suva.

Morale had taken a hit in UN circles in the Pacific in subsequent days, with staff frustrated and disappointed, the staffer added.

“I would hope they employ an independent panel to undertake this inquiry.”

The UN spokeswoman would not confirm whether the staff members had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

She also would not give any details about the allegations.

The World Food Programme is the food aid arm of the United Nations and one of several UN operations in Fiji.

It provides food assistance during emergencies and supports economic and social development.

- RNZI