By Lyn S. Graybill
Some thirty wars, mostly intra-state conflicts, have been fought in sub-Saharan Africa since 1970. United Nations peacekeepers have been sent to over a dozen conflicts throughout the continent. (...)
Although the blue helmets were initially welcomed by their hosts for their anticipated contributions to peace, they may impact negatively on women's security in conflict countries, as they are often the perpetrators of acts of gender violence against the vulnerable populations they are mandated to protect. See full text
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UN staff in Congo face child sex claims
One of the United Nations' toughest missions in Africa is facing allegations that peacekeeping troops as well as civilian UN personnel have been involved in the systematic sexual abuse of minors. Preliminary UN investigations showed that the abuse might have been much more widespread than initial claims involving Uruguayan, Nepalese and Moroccan peacekeepers and possibly others including civilian UN personnel. MONUC, 2004
U.N. Peacekeepers Sexually Abusing Girls In D.R.C. Camp
Teenage girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who were repeatedly raped by militiamen are being sexually exploited
by U.N. peacekeepers who give the girls food in exchange for sex. U.N. Wire, 2004.
U.N. Staff In D.R.C. Face Sexual Abuse Investigation
Monday, May 10, 2004
The U.N. Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has launched a probe into reports of sexual
misconduct toward D.R.C. civilians, including minors, by U.N. staff in northeastern D.R.C.
U.N. Wire
Sex and death in the heart of Africa
Hungry, frightened and helpless, young women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are selling their bodies in exchange for
food and shelter. And the men expecting such 'payment' are the UN peacekeepers responsible for protecting them. By Kate
Holt and Sarah Hughes. The Independent, May 2004.
UN troops buy sex from teenage refugees in Congo camp
The Independent, May 2004.
