Women without money in Mozambique who were affected by Cyclone Idai have been forced to have sex with local officials in exchange for aid, rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleges.
It says it has spoken to people alleging that the officials have demanded money from people in order for their names to go on a list of aid recipients and some who cannot pay have been coerced into sex.
HRW has called for the government to investigate the allegations.
Among others, it quotes three women in the town of Mbimbir in Nhamatanda district who said that they had been forced into having sex.
“The Mozambican authorities have an obligation to ensure that everyone gets the protection they need in this situation, including vulnerable women at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse,” HRW’s said Dewa Mavhinga said.
bbc.com