In late 2024, serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse were reported by Sudanese refugee women against Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff in eastern Chad. In response, MSF immediately sent multiple investigation teams to proactively detect and investigate cases.

Over several months, the investigations identified 59 allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, and involving different employment categories, including contracted staff, daily workers, external contractors, and suppliers.

While some of the 59 allegations were corroborated by the review, others remained unverified, as in some cases neither victims or perpetrators could be identified. Where investigations established serious misconduct, immediate disciplinary action was taken. As a result, 18 staff have been dismissed and are now barred from working with MSF.

“This misconduct represents a serious breach of MSF’s values and responsibilities,” says Laura Leyser, Secretary General of MSF International. “We recognise the pain, harm, and suffering experienced by the survivors and we deeply regret that this has happened in our programmes. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to prevent misconduct and to respond decisively when it occurs.”

Support to identified survivors was offered based on their needs and wishes, which could include referral to psychological or medical care, as well as legal or other support where appropriate. We recognise the importance of continuing to strengthen and adapt our approach to ensure survivors receive the level of care and support they need.  

To protect the confidentiality, privacy, and safety of those affected, and in line with a survivor-centred approach, we are not able to share further details on individual cases or outcomes, including a breakdown by employment category.

Following the investigations, MSF took corrective actions in eastern Chad. These include strengthening recruitment and reference checks for our locally hired staff and daily workers; improving how staff are identified; strengthening complaint mechanisms; reinforcing detection efforts in projects; and appointing dedicated safeguarding resources, supported by reinforced HR teams.

The investigations in Chad were a concerted effort to understand the situation, identify gaps, and take action to address the challenges, reflecting our commitment to proactively confront abuse.

Since 2018, we have collected and publicly published data on behavioural complaints in MSF. The figures cover a range of forms of abuse and inappropriate behaviour – including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment – and are published on our international website, msf.org, and on other MSF websites annually. We do not usually provide detailed breakdowns by country, in order to protect the confidentiality and safety of survivors and to avoid identifying individuals or locations.

“MSF is committed to providing a working and care environment free from exploitation, abuse and harassment,” says Leyser. “We encourage staff, patients, and community members to report to us any misconduct, and continue working to ensure that our reporting channels are safe, accessible and trusted.”