DAKAR, Senegal — An internal probe has been initiated by the United Nations in Chad following a report that uncovered allegations of sexual exploitation involving Sudanese refugees, which implicated aid workers among others.

The announcement comes in response to a report published by the media outlet last week, and was made public on Tuesday. It emphasized the gravity of the allegations and underscored the necessity for prompt and decisive action against those found culpable. The U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Chad, Francois Batalingaya, stated, “Refugees are already vulnerable and traumatized by the events that led them to flee their country, and under no circumstances should they be the victims of abuse by those who are supposed to help them.”

Details regarding the scope of the internal investigation have not been disclosed by the U.N. Earlier this month, the media reported on claims made by Sudanese women and girls who accused men—including humanitarian personnel and local security forces—of sexually exploiting them at displaced persons sites in Chad. Victims have alleged that these men offered financial incentives, preferential access to assistance, and job opportunities in exchange for sexual favors. Such acts constitute a crime under Chadian law.

In light of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 individuals, hundreds of thousands, predominantly women, have sought refuge in Chad. Unfortunately, incidents of sexual exploitation tend to arise during extensive humanitarian crises, particularly within displacement camps. Aid organizations have faced significant challenges in addressing these issues, often citing factors such as underreporting by victims, insufficient funding for protective measures, and an overarching priority on supplying immediate basic needs.

Experts stress that such exploitation represents a profound failure within the humanitarian sector, arguing that individuals seeking safety should never find themselves making survival-driven decisions. In response to this crisis, the U.N. has heightened the risk alert level regarding sexual exploitation to “four,” indicating a very high risk, especially as Chad was already categorized as a nation facing considerable risk factors. This elevation in alert status is intended to facilitate swift action by the U.N. within the next three months, as indicated in an internal email regarding the situation.

The U.N. has expressed its commitment to collaborate with local authorities and human rights organizations to ensure accountability for those responsible for these exploitative actions. The organization has also called upon anyone with knowledge of such abuses to come forward, emphasizing the essential nature of trust between refugees and humanitarian workers.