UN puts new tech envoy on leave after sexual harassment allegations

Fabrizio Hochschild has faced complaints from at least three women who have worked with him

Fabrizio Hochschild speaks to AFP in Bogota on February 24, 2016. The newly named UN envoy on technology has been placed on administrative leave over allegations of sexual harassment that have been made against him. (AFP via Getty Images)

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday he placed his newly named envoy on technology on administrative leave after allegations of sexual harassment were made against him.

Mr Guterres told a news conference the allegations against Fabrizio Hochschild are being investigated by the UN’s internal watchdog, the Office of Internal Oversight Services.

Complaints were filed by three women who worked with Mr Hochschild in his recent jobs, the latest coordinating preparations for the commemoration of the United Nations' 75th anniversary, according to UN officials speaking anonymously because the allegations have not been made public.

"I hope that the investigation will be quickly conducted," Mr Guterres said. "One thing I can guarantee is that there is zero tolerance and, from my perspective, there will always be zero tolerance in relation to sexual harassment or other forms of harassment."

Mr Guterres said he only learned of the allegations on Tuesday - four days after the announcement of the veteran Chilean UN official's appointment as the first envoy for technology. 

According to UN officials, the allegations by the three women were known weeks earlier.

Mr Hochschild said he learned about the allegations on Wednesday and "will cooperate fully" with the investigation.

A graduate of Oxford University, Mr Hochschild began his UN career in 1988 working for the UN refugee agency in Sudan. 

Before his latest post he served as assistant secretary-general for strategic coordination in Mr Guterres' office. He also held UN posts in the Central African Republic, Colombia and Geneva.