Medecins Sans Frontieres staff 'used local prostitutes'

[Boiler 46,013]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44523086

 

Aid workers at charity Medecins Sans Frontieres used local prostitutes while working in Africa, whistleblowers have told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

Female former employees said the behaviour was widespread.

One said a senior colleague said it was possible to barter medication in exchange for sex.

The charity said it does not tolerate "abuse, harassment or exploitation". The use of prostitutes is banned by MSF under its strict code of conduct.

The women spoke anonymously for fear of being blacklisted by foreign aid agencies, among which there can be a large crossover of staff.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

8 hours ago, Boiler said:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44523086

 

Aid workers at charity Medecins Sans Frontieres used local prostitutes while working in Africa, whistleblowers have told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

Female former employees said the behaviour was widespread.

One said a senior colleague said it was possible to barter medication in exchange for sex.

The charity said it does not tolerate "abuse, harassment or exploitation". The use of prostitutes is banned by MSF under its strict code of conduct.

The women spoke anonymously for fear of being blacklisted by foreign aid agencies, among which there can be a large crossover of staff.

This is actually quite common with UN agencies.

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UN and NGO's do seem to be into this big time.

[bcking 3,157]

I actually considered signing up with Doctors Without Borders at one point...I'll rethink it in my retirement.

 

My father has gone on a couple of medical trips since retiring. Both with a much smaller and more focused organization that specializes in providing pediatric cardiac surgery along with pre/post-operative care. If I ever did something similar I'd probably look for a small organization as well. You can still make a huge difference, and it's easier to keep everything well controlled.

[Boiler 46,013]

42 minutes ago, bcking said:

I actually considered signing up with Doctors Without Borders at one point...I'll rethink it in my retirement.

 

My father has gone on a couple of medical trips since retiring. Both with a much smaller and more focused organization that specializes in providing pediatric cardiac surgery along with pre/post-operative care. If I ever did something similar I'd probably look for a small organization as well. You can still make a huge difference, and it's easier to keep everything well controlled.

Benefits look good.

[bcking 3,157]

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

Benefits look good.

Elaborate?

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2 minutes ago, bcking said:

Elaborate?

Read the link.

[bcking 3,157]

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

Read the link.

The original link? I did. What benefits are you referring to? I wouldn't consider the use of local prostitutes a "benefit", so if that is what you mean that isn't a very funny joke.

[The Nature Boy 7,659]

What is the big deal, if its a business transaction between 2 consenting adults 

[bcking 3,157]

1 hour ago, Nature Boy Flair said:

What is the big deal, if its a business transaction between 2 consenting adults 

Prostitution with an exchange of money can in many cases involve coercion (perhaps not between the two involved people directly, but between the prostitute and a pimp).

 

In the article they describe situations where it was in exchange for medications. The risk of "coerced" consent in those cases are likely higher. 

[Ban Hammer 13,508]

2 hours ago, bcking said:

Elaborate?

if you get ebola during an ebola outbreak, you're in a good spot to be treated?

[Boiler 46,013]

To be fair it is not just MSF, lots of the other NGO's are in it, Oxfam for example.

 

And the cover ups got them into real trouble.

 

We can argue about the legality, is it coercion, but is this something they should be doing at all?

[bcking 3,157]

1 hour ago, Boiler said:

To be fair it is not just MSF, lots of the other NGO's are in it, Oxfam for example.

 

And the cover ups got them into real trouble.

 

We can argue about the legality, is it coercion, but is this something they should be doing at all?

Should they be hiring prostitutes in a foreign country while they are there to provide aid?

 

Of course not. 

[The Nature Boy 7,659]

54 minutes ago, bcking said:

Should they be hiring prostitutes in a foreign country while they are there to provide aid?

 

Of course not. 

That's like saying they should not eat at a local restaurant. why shouldn't they. It's just sex and if both parties agree, no biggie. 

I grew up in a medical family. Many doctors, especially old school, are notorious philanderers. Nothing new worthy here  

[bcking 3,157]

18 minutes ago, Nature Boy Flair said:

That's like saying they should not eat at a local restaurant. why shouldn't they. It's just sex and if both parties agree, no biggie. 

I grew up in a medical family. Many doctors, especially old school, are notorious philanderers. Nothing new worthy here  

Philandering doesn't necessarily mean paying for prostitutes.

 

Prostitution doesn't necessarily mean the women are giving uncoerced consent. Even in places where it is regulated. Where it's not? There are many ways a pimp can coerce women into working as prostitutes.

 

All that being said, my primary issue was specifically with the trading of MEDICINE for sexual services while on an aid trip. That is unquestionably unethical, and I would go so far as to say should be reported to their licensing board in their home countries and they should lose their license.