UN chief resigns over sexual harassment scandal

UN refugee chief Ruud Lubbers today resigned because of “a lack of confidence in him” over sexual harassment charges.

Lubbers’ letter of resignation as UN High Commissioner for Refugees was sent to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a spokesman said.

“The complaint of sexual harassment could not be substantiated,” Lubbers wrote.

“For more than four years I gave all my energy to UNHCR,” he said.

“Now, in the middle of a series of problems and with ongoing media pressure, you apparently view this differently.”