40 sex abuse accusations in last quarter of 2017: UN

The UN headquarters in New York. File picture: Wang Ying/Xinhua

The UN headquarters in New York. File picture: Wang Ying/Xinhua

Published Feb 23, 2018

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United Nations - Forty allegations of

sexual exploitation and abuse were made during the last three

months of 2017 against United Nations peacekeeping missions,

agencies, funds and programs and implementing partners, the

world body said on Thursday.

Of the 40 accusations, 15 were reported from peacekeeping

operations, 17 came from UN agencies, funds and programs,

while eight were reported by implementing partners, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

"Every allegation involving our personnel undermines our

values and principles and the sacrifice of those who serve with

pride and professionalism in some of the most dangerous places

in the world," Dujarric said.

He said the 40 allegations involved 54 victims - 30 women

and 16 girls, while the ages of eight others are unknown. Twelve

cases occurred last year, seven in 2016, three in 2015 or

earlier, while the dates for the rest are unknown.

Two cases have been substantiated, three not substantiated,

while the rest are under investigation, Dujarric said.

More than 95 000 civilians and 90 000 troops and police work

for the United Nations.

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The United Nations has tried to increase transparency and

strengthen how it deals with such accusations during the past

few years after a string of sexual exploitation and abuse

charges were made against UN peacekeepers in Central African

Africa.

Charities in the aid sector have recently come under the

spotlight and several have pledged to overhaul their approach to

dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

The deputy director of the United Nations children's agency

UNICEF, Justin Forsyth, resigned on Thursday after Save the

Children UK said concerns were raised about inappropriate

comments and behaviour by Forsyth in 2011 and 2015, when he was the

charity's chief executive.

Reuters

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