UN Receives Sexual Abuse Reports Against Peacekeepers in Mali

military-in-mali-452x300The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has received allegations of serious misconduct by its peacekeeping troops last week, including an alleged incident of sexual abuse, UN spokesperson, Martin Nesirky, said on Monday.

‘The Secretary-General is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and, in line with established procedure, is in the process of notifying the troops-contributing countries,’ Nesirky told UN reporters in New York.

He said: ‘The troops-contributing country has primary responsibility for investigating the matter and ensuring that appropriate disciplinary and judicial measures are taken should the allegations be well founded.’

He also said the alleged misconduct occurred in the north-eastern town of Gao on 19 and 20 September and the Mission acted immediately to determine the facts being alleged and to preserve evidence.

‘The Mission has also provided assistance to the alleged victim,’ the spokesperson said.

Nesirky also added that MINUSMA would offer all necessary support to the troops-contributing country to ensure that it is able to fulfil its responsibilities in taking appropriate action should the allegations prove true, he added.

‘The UN Mission in Mali is committed to the highest standards of conduct by all its personnel, military, police and civilian.

‘The Secretary-General has a policy of zero tolerance for any form of sexual exploitation and abuse, and will do everything possible to see that a thorough process of investigation and, as appropriate, accountability take place,’ he declared.

PANA reported that the UN has long had a policy of zero tolerance against sexual abuse or any other misconduct by troops or other personnel in its peacekeeping and other missions.

The UN Security Council established MINUSMA in April with a targeted strength of 12,600 to support the West African country’s recovery from a coup and the occupation of its north by Islamist fundamentalists, its transition back to stability and democratic governance and the promotion of human rights and provision of humanitarian aid.

As of 31 July, MINUSMA had a total of 6,294 uniformed personnel, 5,494 of them military and 800 police.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *