UN agency sacks official after sexual misconduct inquiry

A senior UN official was dismissed after allegations of sexual misconduct made against him by eight men.

Ravi Karkara, a New Yorkbased employee of UN Women, was sacked after a 15-month investigation upheld findings against him.

On Tuesday, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of the UN agency, said it had taken “the strongest disciplinary measure available within the staff regulations and rules of the United Nations”.

The former staff member is now prohibited from any future employment at the UN.

“Although UN Women does not have the authority to prosecute, the UN is guided by its obligation to bring credible allegations of criminal conduct to the attention of relevant national authorities,” Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

“UN Women stands ready to co-operate with any national authority that decides to investigate this matter.”

The Telegraph in August reported that the allegations against Mr Karkara ranged from obscene gestures in the workplace to sending internet links to pornography. He was also accused of sending suggestive messages to men.

The dismissal came after a year of sexual harassment claims and alleged offences from former employees in the UN, ranging from verbal abuse to rape. The UN received 54 allegations of sexual misconduct against civilians, staff and peacekeepers in the first three months of this year.