Systemic failures to combat sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers persist: report News
Systemic failures to combat sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers persist: report

Legal and structural obstacles persist in bringing justice by victims of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers, the International Peace Institute (IPI) reported Tuesday. The report emphasizes the need for a more unified and victim-centered approach to address sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH) within UN peace operations.

While SEA committed against host populations has received significant attention in UN policies, SH, which targets fellow peacekeeping personnel, remains largely unaddressed. This distinction arises from outdated frameworks that treat SEA and SH as separate issues despite their shared root causes, such as power imbalances, gender inequality, and the abuse of authority.

The report underscores that this separation confuses policymakers, peacekeepers, and survivors while diverting resources from comprehensive prevention and accountability efforts. SH survivors often encounter weak reporting mechanisms and inconsistent legal responses, as cases are handled through national systems that vary widely in their treatment of such misconduct.

The IPI report identifies significant challenges in holding perpetrators accountable. SEA cases, often categorized as “serious misconduct,” benefit from structured UN reporting and investigation mechanisms. In contrast, SH allegations—viewed as “lower-risk misconduct” are frequently assigned to contingent commanders, limiting impartial investigations and leading to widespread impunity.

Recent incidents further illustrate these accountability gaps. In October 2023, South Africa recalled eight UN peacekeepers following allegations of sexual exploitation while deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The allegations exposed systemic weaknesses in both prevention measures and response mechanisms, as survivors struggled to access justice while perpetrators remained sheltered by national legal processes. Such cases underscore the need for consistent and transparent accountability systems that transcend national boundaries and prioritize survivor-centred justice.

Alarmingly, fewer than 5% of troop- and police-contributing countries explicitly address SH in their legal frameworks. Survivors also fear retaliation, stigma, and a lack of confidentiality when reporting SH, particularly within militarized, hierarchical environments. This discourages reporting and perpetuates a culture of silence.

The report advocates for addressing SEA and SH under a single, holistic framework. Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). By linking these issues, the UN can implement more robust prevention strategies and ensure all survivors receive equal attention and support. Integrating SH and SEA prevention into UN training programs is essential to tackle root causes like gendered power dynamics. Establishing external, confidential reporting systems independent of national chains of command can encourage trust and accountability. Additionally, mission leaders must model zero-tolerance policies and foster cohesive mission cultures that prevent abuse and promote transparency. These combined measures aim to strengthen institutional responses and reduce opportunities for misconduct.

The IPI report underscores the urgency of reforming the fragmented systems that govern SEA and SH in UN peacekeeping missions. The UN can strengthen prevention, improve survivor-centered accountability, and foster safer peace operations by addressing these abuses through a unified SEAH framework. Ultimately, this shift is critical to upholding the integrity of UN missions and ensuring justice for all survivors.

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