UN to probe sex abuse charges
2004-11-23 08:28
United Nations - The United Nations is investigating 150 allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers in Congo, a disturbing sign that efforts to rid the so-called "blue helmets" of such misconduct in recent years haven't worked, officials said on Monday.
The allegations include paedophelia, rape and soliciting prostitutes, said Jane Holl Lute, assistant secretary-general for peacekeeping operations.
Similar claims have been made against peacekeepers working under the UN mandate in the past.
"It's important that those missions be above reproach and adhere to a standard of condition which not only we have a right to expect, but the people in these circumstances themselves have a right to expect," Lute said.
The allegations in Congo started coming to light in the spring, and formal investigations have begun in several cases, she said. There are allegedly photographs and video footage backing some of the claims.
Many of the cases came out of the eastern Congolese city of Bunia, where a large contingent of peacekeepers is based.
The United Nations mission in Congo has about 10 500 soldiers and police as well as 1 000 international staff from 50 countries.
Investigators are now checking the 15 other UN peacekeeping missions around the world to see how widespread the problem is, Lute said.
In recent years, the United Nations has tried to clear up sex abuse problems by putting more emphasis on training peacekeepers - known as "blue helmets" for their distinctive headgear - and re-emphasising codes of conduct.
Lute said UN leaders were now determined to get tougher. On Friday, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was "absolutely outraged" by the allegations.
In July, Annan named Jordan's UN Ambassador Prince Zeid Al Hussein a special adviser on sexual exploitation with the hope that he can talk to governments and make sure they pursue claims against their soldiers.
- AP