UN Agency Rocked by Allegations of Corruption in Yemen
Investigation Underway into WHO’s Humanitarian Efforts
November 15, 2013 - The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing allegations of corruption and nepotism in its Yemen office, prompting an investigation into the agency’s humanitarian efforts.
Alleged Misconduct by Dr. Ahmed Zagaria
According to six current and former workers, WHO’s Yemen office was plagued with corruption under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Zagaria. Zagaria allegedly:
- Promoted junior staffers from the Philippines to high-salary posts without being qualified for the jobs
- Gave senior positions to two Filipino staff members who were tasked with taking care of his dog
Additional Allegations of Corruption and Abuse of Power
The allegations also include:
- Approval of suspicious contracts signed by staffers without competitive bidding or documentation
- Hiring of friends and family members of WHO staff to work on projects
- A staffer allegedly receiving cash from a local firm owner in what appeared to be a kickback
Consequences for Humanitarian Efforts
These allegations raise concerns about the integrity of WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen, where the agency is providing support for over 1,700 hospitals and health centers.
Investigation into UNICEF Allegations
UNICEF is also investigating claims of wrongdoing by its staffers in Yemen. According to three sources familiar with the probe:
- A Pakistani national named Khurram Javed is suspected of allowing a senior Houthi official to use an agency vehicle, which could have been used to shield rebel fighters from airstrikes
Wider Issues of Corruption and Abuse of Power
A confidential report by a UN panel of experts on Yemen suggests that Houthi authorities frequently:
- Pressure aid agencies to hire loyalists
- Intimidate them with threats to revoke visas and control their movements
Several incidents have been reported in recent years where aid supplies were stolen or hijacked by rebel groups. Internal UN reports obtained by the AP show that trucks carrying medical supplies were hijacked by Houthi rebels in the province of Taiz and later given to fighters on the front lines.
Concerns for Effectiveness of Humanitarian Efforts
The allegations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UN’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen, where millions are in need of aid due to the ongoing conflict. “This is scandalous to any agency and ruins the impartiality of the UN,” said an aid official who spoke on condition of anonymity.