The United Nations has been accused of creating a hostile workplace for women. The international body has been exposed to have massive amounts of sexual harassment claims. Those who were subject to abuse either had their claims ignored or faced retaliation. The accusations come as the UN faces challenges related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, and growing US-China tension. The cases of sexual violence and abuse are not shocking considering more egregious incidents. UN peacekeepers have engaged in sexual violence in conflict zones. Seeing as women are also a part of those forces similar cases have occurred. Although the UN has denied whistleblowers were targeted for exposing crimes, evidence suggests some were terminated because they exposed this to the press. The slow response and limited investigation implies cove-up or guilt. The UN has presented itself as the institution that promotes human rights and the protection of international law. The image that has been presented to the public has gradually faded. Corruption and an unsafe work environment has damaged the UN's credibility. Women who thought the United Nations could advance the cause of women's rights are faced with a dilemma. The world's most powerful supranational institution has a sexist and male dominated workplace culture. Creating gender balance in leadership will not help, unless culprits are punished for their actions. If the United Nations does not fix failures in policy and the organization, it might not survive. The UN could become defunct from internal problems that it refuses to resolve. The exact number of incidents is unknown. The United Nations has not provided data related to sexual harassment in its offices or sexual violence during peacekeeping operations.
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