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Curious if any of those here with experience with UN missions have any comment on this story? From the second-hand info I've gathered (talking to people, books, accounts) this type of behaviour is fairly common on UN ops and by UN personnel. Does this point a further erosion of UN influence and legitimacy?
My apologies to the moderators if this should be under "Current Events".
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UN peacekeepers in Congo face sex-crimes probe
Last Updated Tue, 23 Nov 2004 11:01:06 EST (CBC online)
UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations is investigating 150 allegations of sexual abuse by its soldiers and staff in Congo.
The accusations include rape, pedophilia and soliciting prostitutes in Congo, formerly known as Zaire.
Jane Lute
"It's important that those missions be above reproach," said Jane Lute, assistant secretary general for peacekeeping operations.
The probe, which began after the allegations surfaced last year, has uncovered video footage and photographs to support some of the complaints, Lute said on Monday.
She said investigators are now checking to see if similar problems exist in the 15 other UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
It's not the first time the peacekeepers have been accused of sexual exploitation. Two years ago, a UN probe rejected similar allegations by refugees in West Africa.
The United Nations can do little to punish peacekeepers who commit crimes, because any prosecutions are up to the countries that sent them on the mission.
The UN mission to Congo, which began in 1999, has about 10,500 soldiers and 1,000 civilian staff from 50 countries.
My apologies to the moderators if this should be under "Current Events".
________________________________________________________________________
UN peacekeepers in Congo face sex-crimes probe
Last Updated Tue, 23 Nov 2004 11:01:06 EST (CBC online)
UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations is investigating 150 allegations of sexual abuse by its soldiers and staff in Congo.
The accusations include rape, pedophilia and soliciting prostitutes in Congo, formerly known as Zaire.
Jane Lute
"It's important that those missions be above reproach," said Jane Lute, assistant secretary general for peacekeeping operations.
The probe, which began after the allegations surfaced last year, has uncovered video footage and photographs to support some of the complaints, Lute said on Monday.
She said investigators are now checking to see if similar problems exist in the 15 other UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
It's not the first time the peacekeepers have been accused of sexual exploitation. Two years ago, a UN probe rejected similar allegations by refugees in West Africa.
The United Nations can do little to punish peacekeepers who commit crimes, because any prosecutions are up to the countries that sent them on the mission.
The UN mission to Congo, which began in 1999, has about 10,500 soldiers and 1,000 civilian staff from 50 countries.