UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that even a single instance of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers could not be taken lightly.He further said that such incidents were painful and the UN would continue to address the issue candidly, comprehensively and robustly.
Mr.Ban’s statement comes in the wake of report by a British NGO alleging rampant sexual abuse of children at the hands of peacekeepers and international aid workers in war zones and disaster areas.
Expressing his deep concern over abuse by aid workers and peacekeepers.Mr.Ban said that the abuse of children by those sent to help was a significant and painful issue.The UN has already taken several steps to address the problem, including setting up conduct and discipline units in all missions.
UN is determined to redouble its efforts in this regard and to work with all of its partners to implement fully its policy of zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.
The United Nations officials, not denying the allegations made in the report, have pledged to work aggressively to investigate the allegations and co-operate with the host countries to bring the abuses to justice.
However the efforts of the UN are hampered, as the ultimate authority under the agreement with troop contributors is the host country.
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