UN Women welcomes strong response to alleged misconduct of UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic

UN Women welcomes the strong leadership and commitment shown by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in response to the latest allegations concerning the conduct of UN peacekeepers serving with the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

Vowing decisive action on allegations of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic, the Secretary-General has sent a strong signal to the international community that the UN takes seriously its institutional responsibility to safeguard the security and dignity of victims. The recent actions taken by the Secretary-General have set a strong precedent that leaders will be held responsible for misconduct and that failure to report allegations immediately, investigate thoroughly and act decisively will have consequences.

The 15-year anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security presents an opportune moment for the UN system, in collaboration with Member States, to push for reform and greater accountability with respect to this issue. Impunity for these heinous crimes must end. We must ensure that each allegation is thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. We must also ensure that the concern for the victims is at the forefront of our response and mechanisms are created to provide essential services and adequate compensation to victims.

The Global Study to review 15 years of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), which was mandated by Security Council resolution 2122 (2013), and which will form the main input to the October High-level Review of Security Council resolution 1325, will set out a number of recommendations on how the international community can mobilize efforts to address sexual exploitation and abuse and ensure mechanisms are put in place so that those responsible are brought to account and victims provided with the necessary support.

UN Women is committed to working with our UN partners and Member States in addressing this global scourge.