UNICEF envoy to India in sexual harassment row

HARASSMENT CHARGES: After the inquiry against Adorna (above), Renuka Chawdhury wants his diplomatic immunity withdrawn.

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New Delhi: UNICEF's representative to India is caught in a sexual harassment row. An informal Government inquiry has found Cecilio Adorna guilty of sexually harassing a female colleague.

The Women and Child Development Ministry conducted a probe after Rema, the complainant, met Union Minister, Renuka Chowdhury.

After the probe, Renuka Chowdhury has requested External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee to withdraw diplomatic immunity given to the UN official.

Rema worked in the Delhi office of UNICEF till December 31, 2006. Two months back she lodged a complaint against Adorna. However, her contract was terminated after an internal inquiry absolved Adorna of all charges.

Since then she has been fighting for justice. Adorna is currently out of the country. His term in India ends in December.

In September, an informal inquiry by former WCD secretary Deepa Jain Singh found evidence against Adorna.

The inquiry was conducted after Rema met Renuka Chowdhury, complaining that the UNICEF probe did not follow procedure. She complained that the immunity clause for diplomats has saved Adorna from prosecution under Indian laws.

After the inquiry, Renuka Chowdhury wrote to Pranab Mukerjee: "After examining accounts of some of key eyewitnesses, we believe there is reasonable cause to establish that the petitioner has suffered sexual harassment and assault."

The letter also said there were anomalies in the procedures adopted by UNICEF in the probe.

Renuka Chowdhury wrote there was lack of clarity on the immunity status of UN staff who commit any unlawful action in their "personal capacity".

"We are very concerned that lack of action in such cases may be interpreted as endorsing the alleged misbehavior of diplomats."

She urged Pranab Mukerjee to take up the case with UN, who replied saying it was being examined by the External Affairs Ministry.