According to a recent survey released by the United Nations (UN), one in every three UN employees reported having been sexually harassed within the last two years. Sadly, this is not an isolated occurrence. Reports of bullying, sexual harassment, and other alarming behavior have been somewhat of a more common occurrence in the humanitarian sector.
Other discouraging stories have come to light over the past few months alone. In December, UNAIDS released a report of its own with an admission of its leadership’s failure to address commonly reported complaints of the same kind. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) received three anonymous emails alleging financial misconduct, as well as racial bias and discrimination. The WHO has said that it will use its own procedures to investigate what has transpired. It has compiled a database to prevent rehiring of any individuals previously responsible for sexual harassment during their duration of employment.
Survey Results
In November 2018, the survey was sent online to employees in collaboration with the consulting group, Deloitte. It was then completed by 30,364 individuals. Per the survey, the most common forms of sexual harassment occurred through jokes, remarks about appearance or sexual activities, or unwelcome conversations about sex or sexual activities. Almost half of all individuals who identified as gay, lesbian, and queer reported that they were sexually harassed. Junior staff also had a high prevalence of sexual harassment. However, consultants and volunteers were more at risk than the UN employees.
Why Does Harassment Occur?
Reasons may exist as to why there has been this trend of harassment in organizations, such as the UN, including the following:
- Work is done in remote areas
- Work is done in areas in which individuals are in crisis mode and struggling to survive
- Aid workers are trusted with helping people, gaining the benefit of the doubt
Advocates against sexual harassment believe that nothing will change unless the perpetrators committing these acts are held accountable for their actions.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Help Victims of Sexual Harassment
If you or a loved one has faced sexual harassment in the workplace, it can be mentally, emotionally, and physically damaging. At The Gold Law Firm P.C., our Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers can help. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve individuals throughout Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and South Jersey. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999 today.
