A high-level task force has been convened to develop a strategy to achieve visible and measurable further improvement in the UN’s approach to preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Members of the high-level task force, all of whom hold official positions within the UN system, will use the upcoming Report of the Secretary-General on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation to present elements of the strategy.
The UN chief’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said yesterday that the team will “report fairly quickly on how we can move forward in new ways, in ways that are more bold that may break some china, but I think we’ll move forward”.
He stressed the need for sustained and constant engagement among member states, political leaders as well as militaries at the highest level.
According to the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, 79 cases of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation were reported until October, 2016. In 2015, 69 allegations were recorded against peacekeepers.
