The United Nations has refused to pay compensation to victims of cholera in Haiti despite claims it is at fault for an epidemic that claimed nearly 8,000 lives. The cholera outbreak that sickened roughly 620,000 Haitians has been linked to U.N. peacekeepers who responded to Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. But the United Nations says it will not pay hundreds of millions of dollars sought by thousands of victims and family members. U.N. spokesperson Martin Nesirky made the announcement Thursday.

Martin Nesirky: “In November 2011, a claim for compensation was brought against the United Nations on behalf of victims of the cholera outbreak in Haiti. Today the United Nations advised the claimants’ representatives that the claims are not receivable, pursuant to Section 29 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The secretary-general again expresses his profound sympathy for the terrible suffering caused by the cholera epidemic and calls on partners in Haiti and the international community to work together to ensure better health and a better future for the people of Haiti.”

The lead lawyer for the cholera victims, Mario Joseph, responded to that announcement, saying: “It is disgraceful that the U.N. will not even consider compensating the thousands of families who have lost their children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters due to the U.N.’s wrongdoing.”