US Senator Calls for Leadership at UN to Address Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

US Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged the US to exercise leadership at the United Nations (UN) in addressing the ongoing issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers. In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Senator Corker called for the US to take a more proactive role in ensuring that the UN upholds the highest standards of professionalism in peacekeeping operations. The senator's proposals include establishing onsite courts-martial for peacekeeping personnel, creating a UN Security Council ombudsman to oversee peacekeeping operations, and developing enforceable benchmarks for troop contributing countries to meet.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Corker's letter to Secretary Kerry outlines four key proposals to address sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers, including onsite courts-martial, a UN Security Council ombudsman, standing claims commissions, and enforceable benchmarks.
• The senator notes that the UN's failure to enforce its "zero-tolerance" policy on sexual abuse has resulted in peacekeepers harming those they are meant to protect, with underreporting of cases a significant concern.
• The Office of Internal Oversight Services report released in June highlights the need for effective changes to prevent future cases of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Senator Corker argues that the US must take the lead in matching words with action to address this critical issue.
• The senator's proposals aim to hold peacekeeping personnel and troop contributing countries accountable for their actions and prevent future cases of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Statistics:

• Since 1990, the UN has not created a standing claims commission despite 32 Status of Forces Agreements providing for its creation in the event of damages.
• An expert mission report commissioned by the Secretary General documents a culture of impunity by UN military, police, and civilian personnel.
• Reports indicate that since 1990, disputes have been resolved through other means, raising questions about the UN's claims commission policy.
• The Secretary General's 2003 bulletin declared the UN's "zero-tolerance" policy regarding sexual abuse, yet recent UN reports have documented numerous allegations of noncompliance.
• An Office of Internal Oversight Services report released in June reiterates many of the same recommendations that were uncovered in 2003.

Sources:

• Letter from Senator Bob Corker to Secretary of State John Kerry (October 21, 2015)
• Office of Internal Oversight Services report (June 2015)
• Secretary General's 2003 bulletin
• Expert mission report commissioned by the Secretary General (2015)