UN elections chief dismissed over harassment allegations News
UN elections chief dismissed over harassment allegations

[JURIST] The United Nations on Tuesday fired Carina Perelli, head of the UN's Electoral Assistance Division [official website], for alleged employee harassment and management failures. Allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation [JURIST report] in Perelli's office were first reported in March of this year. In August, the UN formally accused Perelli of employee harassment [JURIST report]. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan decided Saturday [JURIST report] to dismiss Perelli for her alleged misdeeds. US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton criticized the decision [JURIST report] because it came just 10 days before the elections in Iraq. Although Perelli has received praise for her efforts in organizing elections in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, staff at her office have criticized her for fostering an environment of sexual harassment. In response to her dismissal, Perelli on Tuesday said she will appeal [AP report] the UN's decision to fire her. AP has more.