UN mission in DRC receives new allegations of sexual exploitation

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received four allegations of misconduct, including three allegations of sexual exploitation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday.

Those allegations involve military peacekeepers from South Africa, said the spokesman.

The three allegations of sexual exploitation involve adult victims. Those incidents allegedly took place in Sake, Beni and Goma in North Kivu province, said Dujarric.

The UN Population Fund has been engaged to ensure that victims are provided with immediate assistance, he added.

The fourth allegation refers to physical violence inflicted by military peacekeepers on a 17-year-old boy in Eastern Kasai province, said the spokesman.

The victim was referred to the UN Children's Fund for immediate assistance and his protection is being monitored by the UN's Joint Human Rights Office, he said.

The UN mission will provide any additional assistance such as the collection of DNA samples, he said.

The United Nations has requested South Africa to dispatch investigators and to complete investigations within the reduced 90-day timeframe given the serious concerns raised by these allegations, said Dujarric.

The United Nations is gravely concerned over these allegations despite the efforts in partnership with member states to prevent and address sexual exploitation and abuse and misconduct, said the spokesman. Enditem