KIRUKU: Potent mix: Can lusty eyes and blue helmets go together?

KIRUKU: Potent mix: Can lusty eyes and blue helmets go together?

“When peacekeepers exploit the vulnerability of the people they have been sent to protect, it is a painful betrayal of trust. The sexual exploitation of young girls and boys is particularly insidious. When the international community fails to care for the victims or to hold the perpetrators to account, that betrayal is compounded.”

These words, coming from none other than the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, depict the gravity of the problem of sexual exploitation of minors in Africa. Dr Dlamini-Zuma was in fact reacting to a report on alleged sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic.

The report released by the United Nations should serve as a wakeup call to the UN General Assembly and member states to investigate and prosecute peacekeepers who commit acts of sexual exploitation and abuse.

In 2015, the world shared a common outrage upon learning of allegations of sexual violence by foreign forces serving in the Central African Republic. Consequently, the Secretary-General appointed an independent panel to review the response of the United Nations to those allegations, and the outcome of that review would inform the efforts of the world body in dealing with the vice.

Cases of sexual abuse and exploitation against UN peacekeepers are not confined to the Central African Republic. Such misconduct has been reported virtually everywhere they are engaged, including in the East African Community partner states of Burundi and South Sudan. Troops serving in Somalia, which has applied for membership to the EAC, have not fared any better.

Formulating modalities of dealing with the vice as a region is now called for, with the aim of bringing the culprits to book and ensuring justice is served on the violated women and children. Although the UN has instituted remedies for victims, including financial compensation and mechanisms to assist and encourage victims to report allegations of abuse, it is paramount to note that the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on sexually violated women and children can never be financially compensated.

It is commendable that for the first time, the secretary general has formally published information on the nationalities of the peacekeepers alleged to have sexually abused and exploited women and girls while wearing the blue helmet. Previously, UN engagement with countries whose peacekeepers were accused of abuse had always been kept out of the public glare.

It is becoming crystal clear that the allegations were not just rumours, but constituted horrible cases of rape, gang rape, defilement, sexual exploitation and abuse. It is quite regrettable that UN peacekeepers, whose mandate is to protect civilians, can indeed perpetrate such heinous acts.

In 2015, 99 cases of sexual abuse by UN Peacekeepers were reported, compared with 80 allegations in 2014. Thirty of the 99 allegations reported in 2015 were made against United Nations staff members and related personnel, other than those deployed in peacekeeping operations and special political missions. This regrettable increase in the number of new allegations signifies that more needs to be done to nip the vice in the bud.

The UN Secretary General needs to ensure that reported allegations are investigated fully and promptly. He must ask member states to ensure that disciplinary action and criminal prosecution are instituted against all who are found culpable.

Although the UN General Assembly has shown greater commitment to transparency in dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct, and gone ahead with the establishment of a UN senior panel on peacekeeper abuse, the Assembly must at the same time hold troop leaders to account. Measures should include sending commanders and troops home and suspending payment for individuals where allegations are substantiated.

The Assembly and member states must stop paying lip service and show greater commitment in ending sexual abuse among peacekeeping troops. Concrete action is called for, such as improving training for troops and punishing those responsible for abuse.

In some cases, children have been born arising from the sexual escapades of these troops; ensuring the culprits pay for financial maintenance of such children is paramount in ensuring justice is served fully.

The UN “zero tolerance” policy on sexual exploitation and abuse must be reasserted, including through clear communication on the consequences of violations. In this regard, the UN Secretariat must ensure prompt repatriation of units responsible for serious crimes after proper investigations. It must publicly and regularly demand accountability for these crimes until the perpetrators are brought to justice regardless of their nationality.

The UN must also make clear to troop-contributing countries that their ability to provide accountability for crimes committed by their peacekeepers will be an essential criterion in deciding whether to accept more of their troops in UN peacekeeping missions.

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories