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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Sex Harassment Cases Besiege UN

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(Newser) – The United Nations is being hammered by a string of sexual harassment cases filed by employees, reports the Wall Street Journal. The development is particularly painful for an organization that is supposed to uphold human rights around the world. Victims complain about an old-boys' network of adjudication that allows colleagues to clear associates, and contracts for women who complain often are not renewed. The UN doesn't even track the total number of cases filed, and victims have no access to investigative files.

Cases often can't be pursued in court because many targets of sex harassment cases have diplomatic immunity. "This scourge remains a high priority issue for me," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon vowed in a recent letter to a woman's organization. But a former UN attorney who has represented clients on both sides of the issue complained: "No matter which way the cases go, they mishandle it."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has vowed to crack down on sexual harassment and sex discrimination.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has vowed to crack down on sexual harassment and sex discrimination.   (AP Photo/Keystone/Laurent Gillieron)
Women have complained they have been threatened with loss of their jobs if they don't fold to sexual pressure.
Women have complained they have been threatened with loss of their jobs if they don't fold to sexual pressure.   (©joebeone)
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You stated that you would not have invited anybody for romantic drinks because you 'can't do sex without food first.' Such a comment is highly inappropriate. - UN Investigations Committee report to Cecilio Adorna, then Unicef's top officer India

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TerrifiedCitizen
May 21, 09 2:57 PM CDT
Is man's organization for world peace no less corrupt than organized religion? Where will we turn now? Whatever happens, don't dare read what the bible actually says; oh no, don't do that... Reply
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Mr.C
May 21, 09 10:01 PM CDT
Are people flawed regardless of their positions or affiliations? Yes.
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United Nations • sexual harassment • workers • workers' rights • employee

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