UN received 138 allegations of sexual exploitation in 2017
The United Nations received 138 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse last year, stated a report, adding nearly half of them were against the personnel deployed at its peacekeeping and special political missions. However, a number of such allegations brought against personnel serving with the UN dropped from 165 in 2016 to 138 last year. The report was compiled by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The data indicates a downward trend in number of allegations
Special Coordinator on Improving UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Jane Holl Lute, said the data from 2017 indicates a "downward trend" in the number of allegations reported. Overall, there were 138 allegations last year, compared to 165 in 2016. Of this number, 62 concerned personnel deployed to UN peacekeeping and special political missions; down from 104 the previous year, she said.
A sharp decline in allegations involving non-UN forces: Lute
Lute said allegations emanating from other UN entities and their implementing partners increased over in 2017 from 42 to 75. Also, there was "a sharp decline" in allegations involving non-UN forces, from 18 in 2016 to one in 2017. Lute added a trust fund to support victims had seen a three-fold increase in contributions. Over 90,000 military personnel are assigned to UN peacekeeping operations.
UN implemented several measures to tackle scourge
The UN has implemented several measures over the past year to tackle the scourge and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiatives focus on areas such as putting victims first, ending impunity, and increasing partnerships. They include the appointment of a Victims' Rights Advocate, responding rapidly to allegations and ensuring that UN staff understand their responsibilities and obligations to prevent and report incidents.
