Alleged sexual abuse by EU‑funded aid agencies

17.2.2021

Question for written answer  E-000967/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hilde Vautmans (Renew)

The Commission has reportedly collected 26 documents on alleged sexual abuse by EU‑funded aid agencies during the Ebola emergency response in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the Commission, all organisations receiving EU funds for humanitarian aid have a duty to abide by the highest ethical and professional standards in the areas of humanitarian assistance. Organisations that receive EU funds should be able to prove that prevention measures are in place[1].

Previous reports and investigations have indicated, however, that sexual abuse by aid workers in non‑EU countries is an issue of serious concern.

• 1.How does the Commission monitor the conduct of EU‑funded aid agencies in non‑EU countries?
• 2.What further measures will it take to prevent sexual exploitation – and more generally improper conduct – by EU‑funded aid agencies in non‑EU countries?
• 3.If the allegations are true, what measures will it take against the EU‑funded aid agencies involved in this sexual abuse?

• [1] https://euobserver.com/foreign/150950