UN report finds increase in allegations of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers News
UN report finds increase in allegations of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [official profile] released a report [text, PDF] on Friday recommending increased measures to be taken for all countries involved in the rise of allegations against UN peacekeepers of sexual abuse and exploitation. The report documents a total of 99 allegations in 2015, 69 from countries with peacekeeping missions. The largest number of allegations, 22, came from the Central African Republic (CAR) followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti. The report includes recommendations on the UN’s strategy to prevent these kinds of crimes. The measures include assistance to victims, stronger disciplinary measures, and enhanced transparency among others.

In December Ban made a pledge to review allegations [text, PDF] that found the UN had not responded properly to information regarding crimes by non-UN soldiers upon children in the CAR. In February the UN identified seven new possible victims [press release] of abuse in the nation. In January UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein [official profile] said his office is investigating allegations of sexual abuse [press release] against children in the CAR by EU forces [JURIST report].

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.