U.N. Says Peacekeepers and Civilian Workers Are Accused of Abuse
Stephane Dujarric, a United Nations spokesman, said Secretary General António Guterres "is obviously disappointed and saddened
that these actions continue." The United Nations has been in the spotlight for several years over allegations of child rape and other sexual abuses by its peacekeepers, especially those based in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
4, 2017
The United Nations says 31 allegations of sexual abuse
and exploitation by its peacekeepers and civilians working for its agencies were reported in a three-month period ending in September — almost half of them against those employed to help refugees.
The Code Blue campaign, a watchdog group, reported in September
that leaked case files showed "egregious mishandling" of sexual misconduct allegations against United Nations peacekeepers in the Central African Republic.
In 2016, United Nations figures show, there were 80 allegations of sexual exploitation
and abuse involving peacekeepers and 65 allegations involving civilian staff, an increase from the previous year.
According to Mr. Dujarric, 12 allegations were made against peacekeepers
and 19 against civilians working for United Nations agencies between July 1 and Sept. 30.
Victims in the Central African Republic are receiving medical
and psychological assistance, said Jane Connors, the United Nations’ advocate for the rights of victims.