MSF staff abused Sudanese refugees in sex-for-food scandal

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has admitted that its staff were accused of sexually abusing at least 59 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad. These offenses, which occurred around 2024, involved the exploitation of young girls and the exchange of food or jobs for sex. MSF has dismissed 18 individuals identified as perpetrators, while acknowledging that others remain unidentified. An internal report suggested patterns of exploitation that could constitute "sexual trafficking." Some victims reportedly remained silent due to fear of losing access to aid, and those who did report abuse often received inadequate support. MSF stated that this misconduct is a serious breach of its values and expressed regret for the harm caused.

An internal report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has revealed that both local and foreign staff exploited refugees in Chad, with some instances involving underage girls and the trading of aid and jobs for sex. The organization acknowledged 59 allegations of abuse, though it believes more occurred due to survivors' reluctance to speak out. As a result, 18 staff members were dismissed and banned from future employment. This investigation followed a previous AP report detailing similar exploitation by aid workers and security forces targeting Sudanese refugees in Chad. MSF described its findings as a "candid internal analysis" of system failures, acknowledging the harm caused by these breaches of its values.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has found a pattern of abuse and sexual exploitation by some of its staff in Chad, targeting refugees fleeing Sudan. A confidential internal report, obtained by the Associated Press, detailed 59 allegations, including trading food or jobs for sex and the exploitation of underage girls, suggesting potential sexual trafficking. The investigation was prompted by previous AP reporting and resulted in the dismissal of 18 staff members. MSF acknowledged the findings as a "candid internal analysis" of system failures and stated they have since strengthened recruitment and complaint systems, though they recognize more work is needed. The report highlighted that tracing perpetrators was sometimes difficult due to the scale of the emergency and population movement.