Virtual press conference
Publication of the final report of the Independent Commission on the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation during the response to the tenth Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Independent Commission was appointed by the WHO Director-General on 15 October 2020 to establish the facts relating to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse during the response to the 10th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), identify and support survivors, ensure that any ongoing abuse had stopped, and hold perpetrators to account.
The WHO Director-General appointed as co-chairs Madame Aïchatou Mindaoudou, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Social Development of Niger and Madame Julienne Lusenge of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, an internationally recognized human rights activist and advocate for survivors of sexual violence in conflict.
The co-chairs selected three additional members:
- Dikéré Marie Christine Bocoum, from Côte d’Ivoire, a retired UN staff member with extensive experience in community development, humanitarian protection and activities in conflict and post-conflict situations and experience in working with the African Union.
- Carole Doucet, from Canada, who has extensive experience in women’s rights, gender equality, sexual exploitation and abuse, human rights, reconstruction and peace building, institutional capacity development, conflict prevention and mediation, ethics, conduct and discipline.
- Malick Coulibaly, former Minister of Justice and former President of the National Human Rights Commission of Mali, who has expertise in human rights, justice reform, and justice and development.
Speakers:
- Ms Julienne Lusengue, Co-Chair
- Dr Aïchatou Mindaoudou, Co-Chair
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director- General
- Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa