By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
UN GATE, Feb 11 – In the United Nations under Antonio Guterres, there is nothing but failure and excuses and fundraising on crises like Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Burma, Haiti and Cameroon.
There is impunity for sexual abuse by peacekeepers and UN staff like Juan Carlos Cunillera, just "along for the ride" during the UN sex-in-the-van exposed by Inner City Press.
But now as we looked at and asked about Guterres' omission of his links to UN briber CEFC China Energy, leading to him banning the Press (and Melissa Fleming continuing the ban, not even answering a law firm's pro bono letter), on April 17, 2022 we published on other officials - including long time UNOPS operative Vitaly Vanshelboim (whom Inner City Press covered in connection with UNOPS gag orders before being banned from UN by corrupt Guterres.)
We noted that Vanshelboim's skeeze in the S3i scam of UNOPS's Grete Faremo.
While others then noted for example that a long time member of the UN Correspondents Association Gloria Starr Kins played a role in hooking up the fraud, they don't mention UNCA and their role in banning the Press. On December 13, 2024, UNCA will put access to Guterres up for sale again at Cipriani: no questions have been answered.
Now this:
Dear Matthew Russell Lee and Inner City Press editorial team,
Thank you for your invaluable assistance in amplifying our voices. In response to the misleading statements provided by the UNOPS Management Team during the First Regular Session of the Executive Board, held from January 27 to 31, 2025, highlighting staff concerns regarding organizational management. We reject the falsehoods spread to mask the serious deficiencies in financial management and the irregularities in the implementation of reforms.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MISLEADING STATEMENTS OF JORGE MOREIRA DA SILVA: UNOPS REMAINS IN CRISIS AND THE CURRENT REFORMS ARE A FARCE
Despite the official narrative suggesting the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Response Plan (CRP), the internal reality of UNOPS demonstrates that structural problems persist. The organization has suffered a notable degradation in its governance and operational management, affecting its effectiveness and credibility. The lack of effective leadership and the concentration of decision-making in closed spaces without genuine accountability mechanisms have contributed to this crisis. The Executive Committee has justified mass layoffs under the argument of financial sustainability, while audits have revealed deficient risk management practices.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REMAINS A FARCE Particularly concerning is the report from the UN Board of Auditors (UNBOA), which highlights the improper use of financial derivatives, resulting in net losses of USD 15.2 million. Additionally, it raises alarms about deficiencies in the segregation of duties and non-compliance with international standards. Despite claims of increased transparency, allegations of collusion between the Ethics Office (ETO) and Internal Audit (IAIG) persist. The interference of senior management in investigation processes compromises the objectivity of accountability mechanisms and obstructs the protection of whistleblowers reporting irregularities.
THE REALITY THAT JORGE MOREIRA DA SILVA HIDES: FALSE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Claims of greater transparency do not reflect the internal situation of the organization. Collusion between the Ethics Office and Internal Audit has compromised the impartiality of investigations, leaving employees unprotected against possible retaliation. This environment has weakened confidence in accountability mechanisms and left those who report irregularities in a vulnerable position.
With utmost appreciation, The UNOPS Personnel Collective Seeking Accountability
We'll have more on this.
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