Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 April 2016: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has expressed her shock and dismay over the alleged sexual abuse by the UN Peacekeepers in the Central African Republic.
The Chairperson is concerned that when peacekeepers exploit the vulnerability of the people they have been sent to protect, it is a painful betrayal of trust. The sexual exploitation of young girls and boys is particularly insidious. She also added that when the international community fails to care for the victims or to hold the perpetrators to account, that betrayal is compounded.
The Chairperson calls on the Secretary General to institute a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
She also welcomes the adoption by the UN Security Council of special measures to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers. The Chairperson calls upon African Member States to work closely with the United Nations to effectively implement the measures recommended in Resolution 2272 (2016), which highlights “continuing and serious allegations” of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers in Africa. In this regard, she urges the UN system to investigate, report, and follow up on these alleged violations.
Media Contact: Esther Azaa Tankou, Ag. Director of Information and Communication African Union Commission (AUC) Tel: +251(0) 911361185 / E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
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