The Office of Internal Oversight Services recently received a case of sexual exploitation and violence involving eight South African peacekeepers deployed in Beni, eastern DR Congo. These actions sparked outrage and led to the arrest of the peacekeepers concerned, as well as the suspension of an officer. This matter, which was taken very seriously by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), is fully consistent with the zero tolerance policy of the United Nations Secretary-General in matters sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as misconduct.
MONUSCO strongly condemned these acts, saying they are completely contrary to the values and standards of conduct of the United Nations. The Mission is committed to ensuring that its personnel respect the highest standards of conduct and makes every effort to prevent such behavior and protect the rights and dignity of victims.
It is important to emphasize that all the peacekeepers involved in this affair are part of the South African contingent of MONUSCO. Internal reports described the acts as systematic and widespread violations of UN rules against sexual exploitation and abuse. This case once again highlights the need to strengthen measures to prevent and combat this unacceptable behavior within United Nations peacekeeping missions.
This case also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling cases of sexual exploitation and abuse within peacekeeping missions. The United Nations must act decisively to punish those responsible for such acts and ensure that justice is done for the victims.
In conclusion, this case once again demonstrates the need to combat sexual exploitation and abuse within United Nations peacekeeping missions. It is crucial to strengthen prevention, awareness and sanction measures to prevent such behavior and protect the rights and dignity of victims. Peacekeepers’ mission is to protect populations and maintain peace, so it is essential that we do everything in our power to ensure that they fulfill this mission in an exemplary manner, without abusing their power and respecting the fundamental principles of the United Nations.