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.