The findings published on Tuesday state that although progress has been made since 2017 through the establishment of new frameworks, policies and procedures, sexual exploitation and abuse continues to occur across the UN system.
Rising crises, rising risks
Risks increased significantly last year, with the unprecedented rise in humanitarian crises along with significant reductions in funding, especially in high-risk and complex contexts where the UN operates.
Last year, 758 allegations were received, compared to 534 the previous year and 265 in 2018.
Of the 2023 figure, more than half, 384, were related to UN staff and affiliated personnel. The remainder concerned personnel from partners and non-UN military forces not under UN authority.
One hundred allegations were reported in peacekeeping and special political missions, compared to 79 in 2022.
Some 143 identified victims were associated with these allegations -115 adults and 28 children.
Most allegations, 90 per cent, related to the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, and another in the Central African Republic, known as MINUSCA.
Prevention efforts continue
The report contains updates on the implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s strategy to improve efforts in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Our approach, which is centered on the rights and needs of victims, continues,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said during the daily media briefing in New York.
“We are intensifying efforts to uphold the rights of victims, and to end impunity. This also includes engagement with Member States to facilitate the resolution of paternity claims.”
Guterres upholds accountability
The Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator on improving UN response to sexual exploitation and abuse, Christian Saunders, has commissioned a comprehensive assessment to determine how to best integrate the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in all UN activities and programmes.
The assessment will propose a strategy to ensure sustainable, effective prevention work across the UN system and options for predictable and adequate resourcing at headquarters and in the field.
“Sexual exploitation and abuse violate everything the United Nations stands for,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message accompanying the report.
“It is up to all of us to eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse from our work, support victims, and hold perpetrators and their enablers to account.”
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Are there any new specific measures being considered to address the rise in sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system despite the progress made so far?
Yes, there are ongoing discussions within the UN to introduce additional measures to combat the increase in sexual exploitation and abuse, building upon the existing progress made. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial issue.
As a long-time supporter of human rights initiatives, I am deeply saddened by the persistent issue of sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system. It’s disheartening to see the increasing number of allegations and victims, especially within peacekeeping missions. The UN must prioritize the protection and support of victims, and I hope the implementation of the Secretary-General’s strategy brings about tangible positive change.
It is deeply concerning to see the increase in allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system. The focus must remain on the rights and needs of the victims to ensure effective prevention and response measures are in place.
It is disappointing to see that despite the progress made, sexual exploitation and abuse still persist within the UN system. The rise in reported allegations, especially involving UN staff, underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect victims’ rights and address this ongoing issue effectively.
In my opinion, the findings reveal a disturbing trend where despite the efforts to address sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system, the numbers of reported allegations keep rising. It is crucial for the UN to not only establish new frameworks but also to ensure strict enforcement and prevention strategies to protect vulnerable individuals.
How can the UN effectively address the increasing incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse within its system despite the efforts made in establishing new frameworks and policies?
Hey Emily_Smith, addressing the rising incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system requires not just the establishment of new frameworks and policies, but also consistent enforcement and accountability mechanisms. It’s crucial for the UN to actively monitor and address any breaches promptly to ensure a safe environment for all. Awareness, education, and training are also key in preventing such occurrences. Let’s continue advocating for the rights and protection of victims.
It is disheartening to see that despite the establishment of new frameworks and policies, sexual exploitation and abuse still persist within the UN system. The rise in crises indeed poses increased risks, demanding more vigilant efforts to protect victims’ rights and prevent such heinous acts.
It’s disheartening to see that despite the progress made in establishing new frameworks, sexual exploitation and abuse still persist within the UN system. The increase in crises and reduction in funding further exacerbate the risks for victims. Prevention efforts must be intensified to protect the vulnerable individuals affected by these heinous acts.
Does the article mention any specific new measures being implemented to address the rise in sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system?
Yes, the article highlights the ongoing efforts to address sexual exploitation and abuse within the UN system, including the establishment of new frameworks, policies, and procedures. Prevention measures are continuously being improved to prioritize the rights and needs of victims. The increase in reported allegations signifies a heightened awareness and vigilance in combating this issue. It’s crucial for accountability and transparency to remain at the forefront of these initiatives to effectively protect vulnerable individuals.
I believe it is crucial for the UN to strengthen their measures against sexual exploitation and abuse. The statistics presented here are alarming, and it is evident that more efforts are needed to protect victims across the system. It’s promising to see the focus on prevention and response strategies, but concrete actions must be taken to address this urgent issue.
Despite the progress made in establishing new frameworks and policies, it is disheartening to see that sexual exploitation and abuse still persist within the UN system. The rise in crises has only exacerbated the risks, as seen in the increasing number of allegations. It is crucial for the UN to ramp up prevention efforts and prioritize the rights of victims in order to truly address this concerning issue.