Making Peace: Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation by United Nations Peacekeepers

Abstract

To help establish and maintain peace and security around the world, the UN is currently managing sixteen peacekeeping missions. Instead of affording protection to civilians impacted by armed conflict, however, some UN peacekeepers use their positions of power to sexually exploit and abuse women and children. This article examines current UN policies and procedures to address sexual exploitation perpetrated by UN peacekeepers in sub-Saharan African peacekeeping missions. Ending sexual exploitation requires leadership at all levels and a serious commitment of financial and human resources. UN policies and procedures must be drastically improved if they are to adequately address and eradicate sexual exploitation within peacekeeping missions.