The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) announced today the removal of an employee identified as the aggressor of a fast-food drive-thru worker in Brasília. The incident occurred last Friday night and gained widespread attention after security cameras recorded the moment the UN official slapped the employee in the face.
According to the UNODC, the woman has been administratively suspended and will remain on leave while investigations are conducted. The agency explained that the employee’s conduct will be formally reviewed by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), an independent UN body, to determine appropriate disciplinary actions.
The UNODC reiterated its willingness to cooperate with national authorities, stating that “no form of violence is tolerated” and that all personnel are obligated to uphold UN values of respect, integrity, and ethics.
Read more: Extreme heat threatens agriculture and food security in Brazil
Brazilian media identified the aggressor as 35-year-old Huíla Borges Klanovichs, who declined to comment when contacted. Police authorities reported that the confrontation began over a mistake in a sandwich order involving an unwanted serving of onions. After requesting a replacement, the client demanded an apology from the worker; when the worker refused, the UN official struck her across the face.
In her statement to the police, Huíla Borges Klanovichs claimed she was treated disrespectfully by the employee after requesting the removal of the onions, explaining that she suffers from a severe allergy to the ingredient.
