Skip to main content
WFUNA home

Global citizens
for a stronger UN

WFUNA home

Our Global Network

UNA Directory

UNA Activities

Establishing a UNA

WFUNA Youth Network

European UNA Network

Peace and Security

CSO Dialogues with the President of the UNSC

Security Council Debates & Briefings

UN Security Council Exit Briefings

Sustainable Development

Under the Starry Sky

16+ Forum

Dialogues at the UN

Human Rights

Human Rights in Action

Not under the UN Flag

Global Citizenship

Model UN

Mission Possible

Training Programs

Youth Camp: Korea

WFUNA Supporters

Youth Empowerment

Youth Participation at the UN

Youth Seminar Series

Young Leader of the Year

UN75

Media

Resources

FAQs

About WFUNA

Media & Newsroom

Global citizens
for a stronger UN

Back to News
  • Human Rights Peace and Security

Statement on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping Missions

Statement on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping Missions

Statement on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peacekeeping Missions

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016

NEW YORK - During its 214th meeting, on 14 May 2016, members of WFUNA's Executive Committee adopted and issued a statement on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in peacekeeping missions. 

The World Federation of United Nations Associations expresses its gravest concern vis-à-vis the shocking surge in allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by peacekeepers worldwide - the most egregious ones emerging from the MINUSCA mission in the Central African Republic - and its deepest regret for the United Nations failure to prevent SEA and adequately support victims.

We recognize the vital importance of the work of peacekeepers and their positive contribution to ensuring the peace and security of civilians in conflict situations worldwide. Sexual exploitation and abuse is largely widespread and not limited to peacekeepers, the vast majority of whom carry out their duties in line with UN guidelines. We regret, however, that this scourge is seriously undermining the work of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in many missions.

Despite existing UN policies to prevent SEA in UN peacekeeping missions, recent allegations sadly bring to light the systemic failure by the UN and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to not only prevent occurrences, but also to effectively report, investigate, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide adequate assistance to victims.

Echoing the UN Secretary-General’s stance, we stress that zero tolerance means zero complacency and zero impunity: Strengthening the United Nations and TCCs accountablity and institutional responsibility must be an absolute priority of the UN System and its Member States.  

WFUNA urges the United Nations and TCCs to inverse the current trend that sees a focus on protecting the rights of abusers rather than the victims in peacekeeping missions: Addressing effectively the longstanding culture of impunity for perpetrators, increasing and simplifying reporting, strengthening investigative capacities in missions and training on SEA issues, alongside with appropriate oversight of peacekeeping staff interactions with local populations are all necessary to ensure zero occurrences in the future.

WFUNA calls on Member States of the United Nations to provide the necessary funding and support for the full and prompt implementation of all provisions outlined in the Secretary-General’s February 2016 report on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, including adequate resources for the recently established Voluntary Trust Fund, so that it may provide victims the support they direly need.

We wish to convey our most profound solidarity with all victims and urge the United Nations and TCCs to make their well-being a priority by taking all necessary measures to provide adequate support and assistance to SEA victims and the resulting offspring.

WFUNA calls for timely and effective actions to bring the perpetrators to justice, including the removal of immunity privileges for UN staff, and immediate repatriation and other sanction mechanisms for uniformed personnel, as credible allegations of SEA emerge.

We urge for the establishment of an independent, well-resourced, victims-centered accountability mechanism with full access to the United Nations.

  • Prev
  • Next

Donate

Why We Give: Inspiring Donor Stories

Join

Find your UNA, volunteer, employment, internships, learn more...

Subscribe

Stay in the loop with WFUNA!

  • WFUNA

    1 United Nations Plaza
    Room 0240
    New York, NY 10017, USA

    Tel: 212-963-5610
    info@wfuna.org

  • WFUNA

    Room 708, UNESCO Bldg
    26 Myeongdong-gil
    Jung-gu  
    Seoul, Republic of Korea (04536)

    Tel: +82 2 6925 2695
    View Korean site

  • FMANU

    Palais des nations
    Villa Bocage VB 3
    1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

    Tel +41 22 917 3213
    info@wfuna.org

  • FMANU

    Rue Montoyer 14
    Bruxelles - 1000 Belgium

    info@wfuna.org

Global citizens
for a stronger UN

Additional Information

  • Sitemap
  • Constitution & Bylaws
  • Leadership
  • WFUNA Secretariat
  • WFUNA History
  • Employment
  • Internships
  • Newsletter
  • Get Involved
Copyright © WFUNA - World Federation of United Nations Associations | Stislow Design | Development: CEDC