by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
UN GATE, Nov 11 updated Nov 12 – How corrupt is today's UN under Antonio Guterres? Today's follow up is again on his mission in Colombia, about which his spokespeople Stephane Dujarric and Melissa Fleming refuse all Press questions. Inner City Press has asked them, and others, about the newest sex abuse case against the UN there. Now this, from a UN whistleblower sent to Inner City Press:
Mar Brusola’s connections and alliances within the UN network have granted her an unsettling amount of unchecked power. Her relationship with Sandi Arnold, once a D1 CMS in Kosovo who was dismissed without benefits following fraud and harassment allegations (including sexual harassment and domestic violence), raises questions. Through mutual from Brindisi, Brusola has shown a clear intent to avenge Arnold’s fall by wielding her own influence and settling scores on Arnold’s behalf.
Brusola’s favoritism extends to Loreto Ferrer, rumored to be romantically involved with SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu. Ferrer, who initially struggled to meet standards at lower levels, was suddenly promoted to P5. Now Ferrer’s influence appears to be expanding, managing to get the boyfriend of Isabella Sinisterra, reporting directly to her, a comfortable NPO position, even as other deserving staff members are told to wait indefinitely or face baseless restrictions—solely due to their alignment with the “wrong” side of Brusola and Ruiz’s inner circle.
[Update of Nov 12: in fairness, other say the boyfriend's recruitment was fully documented - we'd appreciate seeing it, as OIOS does nothing and the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric answers no questions - and that his reporting is neither to Ferrer nor Sinisterra, natch. Keep the info coming, as the UN closes in on itself]
Additionally, Ferrer has reportedly bypassed rules to secure a UNV position for her cousin, further proof of systemic favoritism.
Moreover, SRSG Ruiz Massieu’s interactions with the Chinese Ambassador are under scrutiny. While he has spent considerable time in closed-door meetings with the ambassador, the recent placement of Yang Wang—a notably unqualified candidate—as CMS raises suspicion about what deals may have been struck. Wang’s appointment makes you wonder what connection may exist to the Fan “Frank” Liu of the World Harmony Foundation scandal, who has sought influence in UN peacekeeping, leveraging connections for his own agenda.
Federico Ledesma’s ongoing abuse of power over Colombian national staff has been especially egregious. Ledesma’s actions suggest he sees Colombians as subordinate, taking advantage of his position to belittle and control them. It is unacceptable for someone in his role to mistreat the very people the UN is supposed to support. The Colombian government should intervene to ensure UN staff cannot continue this mistreatment and abuse against national staff unchecked.
We'll have more on all this. No answer from UN Spox Dujarric on this, or nomination of Elise Stefanik. Keep the info coming.
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