CNN: The #MeToo moment inside the U.N.
Laurie Garrett, founder of the Anthropos Initiative

“It’s a hypocrisy so heinous it seems at first glance unbelievable. UNAIDS, an organization that works to stop the spread of HIV worldwide by promoting safe sex, female empowerment, and human rights is, itself, a cesspool of gender intolerance, sexual harassment, and bullying, according to a new report issued by an independent panel of experts December 7. … The leadership of UNAIDS, the panel states, has created a work culture ‘of fear, lack of trust, and retaliation against those who speak up about harassment and abuse of power.’ … The UNAIDS board and the office of the secretary general should move with haste, demanding [UNAIDS Executive Director Michel] Sidibé and his cohort in the secretariat step down before the new year and placing a credible technocrat in temporary leadership. … It is a dangerous time in the fight against HIV, amid declining funding and interest in globalization and its causes. People with AIDS continue to need a strong voice fighting on their behalf. Sadly, neither Michel Sidibé nor his coterie can provide that voice of credible strength and candor. If the institution they have besmirched hopes to survive this terrible moment intact as a valued voice on behalf of the more than 35 million people living with HIV infection, it must take swifter and more significant action immediately” (12/15).