UN adopts resolution against sex abuse by peace-keepers

The United Nations Security Council has passed its first-ever resolution to tackle an escalating problem of sexual abuse by peacekeepers assigned to protect civilians in countries where there is conflict. The UN has been under pressure for months over allegations of child rape and other abuses by its troops, especially those based in Central African […]

The United Nations Security Council has passed its first-ever resolution to tackle an escalating problem of sexual abuse by peacekeepers assigned to protect civilians in countries where there is conflict.
The UN has been under pressure for months over allegations of child rape and other abuses by its troops, especially those based in Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It said there were 99 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by the so-called blue helmets in 2015, with an additional 25 allegations so far this year.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the resolution “a significant step in our collective efforts to combat the terrible damage caused to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse”.
Ban pledged to ensure protection and support for those who have been abused, his spokesman said on Saturday.
The decree was approved by a vote of 14-0, with Egypt abstaining after a last-minute amendment it proposed, which would have weakened the text, was defeated.
The US-drafted resolution endorses Ban’s plan for reform, including his decision to repatriate military or police units “where there is credible evidence of widespread or systemic sexual exploitation and abuse”.