Switzerland suspends millions in funding to Doctors Without Borders over sexual abuse reporting failures

Switzerland has temporarily suspended funding to Doctors Without Borders (MSF) following revelations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving refugees in camps in Chad, amid allegations that the humanitarian organization failed to promptly report the full extent of the misconduct.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) took the decision after concerns emerged that it had not received timely and comprehensive information about the allegations, according to Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag, which cited internal documents and emails.

The case dates back to 2023, when thousands of people fled the war in Sudan and sought refuge in neighboring Chad. An internal MSF investigation reportedly uncovered a network in which employees exploited vulnerable refugee women, demanding sexual favors in exchange for money, jobs or humanitarian assistance.

The investigation resulted in 59 misconduct complaints and the dismissal of 18 employees. Swiss authorities later discovered that six of those dismissed workers were directly affiliated with the Swiss section of MSF.

Questions over delayed response

The Swiss authorities reportedly received their first notification about the case in late 2024. However, concerns have emerged over delays in the response and weaknesses in oversight. According to the report, one internal email indicated that officials had no “urgent questions” about the matter.

The agency later said it had not been aware of the full scale of the abuse because MSF had not reported the incidents promptly.

By mid-2025, Swiss officials considered the situation under control and closed the file after receiving assurances from the organization about preventive measures. In early 2026, government representatives reportedly praised MSF as a source of good practices and inspiration for its transparency.

The situation changed in June 2026, when an Associated Press investigation brought further details of the alleged abuses to light. Swiss officials subsequently questioned whether the organization had withheld critical information. MSF representatives argued that there had been no explicit agreement requiring them to continue providing updates after the initial investigation was closed.

Funding frozen, stricter controls planned

Switzerland has frozen a final payment of 1.25 million Swiss francs, approximately $1.52 million, allocated to MSF for 2026. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said the organization had failed to meet its contractual obligation to report incidents promptly and comprehensively.

MSF received nearly 12 million Swiss francs, around $14.5 million, in Swiss public funding in 2025.

The scandal has also prompted Switzerland to plan stricter oversight of international aid. Starting in 2027, contracts with Swiss aid organizations are expected to include tougher provisions to prevent abuse.

MSF has acknowledged shortcomings in its response, expressing regret that it did not proactively communicate the seriousness of the staff dismissals and related allegations quickly enough.