UN chief calls for rooting out sexual exploitation and abuse

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday calls for rooting out sexual exploitation and abuse at UN peace operations review held here on Monday.

Speaking at "United Nations Peace Operations Review: Taking stock, leveraging opportunities and charting the way forward," Ban expressed his "horror and disgust at allegations that troops committed unspeakable acts against those they were sent to protect."

"My constant and loud advocacy must be matched by Member States who alone have the power to swiftly bring to justice those who have committed crimes and to impose the strongest possible disciplinary and criminal sanctions," he said.

"This is essential to restoring trust in the invaluable institution of peacekeeping, and providing justice and healing to the victims and affected communities," he added.

In the spring of 2014, allegations first came to light that international troops serving as peacekeepers in Central African Republic had sexually abused a number of young children in exchange for food or money. The alleged perpetrators were largely from a French military force known as Sangaris, which was operating under the authorization of the Security Council but not under UN command.

The UN chief also underlined the importance of prevention and mediation and said that "we must revitalise the preventive efforts of the UN system and deepen political support from Member States."

On the participation of women in peace operations, Ban said that "greater progress is needed to enhance the participation of women in peace operations and in mission leadership, and ensuring the UN continues to advocate for women to be central in peace processes."

Stressing that the number of civil wars has tripled in the past 10 years and that humanitarian needs have reached 20 billion U.S. dollars, Ban said there has also been a qualitative change in the nature of the problems the world faces.

"There is a collective sense that our toolbox has not kept pace with the emerging and increasingly complex challenges we face in peace and security," he said.

The secretary-general noted that member states have before them a set of "thoughtful and comprehensive" reviews that point the way toward a more effective UN response to peace and security challenges.

These include the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, the report of the Advisory Group of Experts on Peacebuilding, and the Global Study on women, peace and security, according to Ban.

"Our challenge is to bring these proposals to life. That is my responsibility as Secretary-General. It is your responsibility as Member States and partners, as host or neighbouring countries, as members of the Security Council and as contributors of troops, police and financing," Ban said.

The event on the peace operations review was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Ethiopia, Norway and the Republic of Korea, and the International Peace Institute. Endit