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UN Security Council supports zero tolerance policy for misconduct by peacekeepers

Xinhua, August 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

After being briefed on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations peacekeepers, UN Security Council welcomed the commitment of the Secretary-General to enforce strictly his zero tolerance policy, said a press statement of the council issued Tuesday.

The council was briefed by the Secretary-General on Aug. 13, 2015 on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations peacekeepers, including the latest allegations of abuses committed in the Central African Republic (CAR).

"They (members of the council) shared his outrage and anger at these allegations and recalled that peacekeepers should protect civilians in the areas where they are deployed. They stated that the United Nations, and particularly its peacekeepers, must comply with relevant provisions of international law, including with respect to the protection of human rights," said the statement.

They welcomed the commitment of the Secretary-General to enforce strictly his zero tolerance policy and took note of his recommendations to ensure full compliance of all missions with the policy, including as part of regular reporting by the missions, it said.

The head of UN peacekeeping mission in CAR, Babacar Gaye of Senegal, has resigned after Amnesty International has alleged that UN peacekeepers shot dead a man and his son and raped a 12-year- old girl in Central African Republic.

The council noted the recent appointment of an External Independent Panel to look into reports of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic and the United Nations' systemic response, and looked forward to its findings being made public, said the statement.

"They stressed the importance of the United Nations quickly investigating in a credible, transparent manner the most recent allegations of misconduct and abuse, and if substantiated, working with the troop contributing countries involved to ensure those responsible are held accountable," it added.

The council also noted the United Nations should not let the actions of a few tarnish the heroic work of tens of thousands of United Nations peacekeepers and personnel, it said. Endite