UN peacekeepers on patrol in Bangui

Findings of a UN Response Team tasked with investigating sexual abuse allegations committed by UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported sex with minors along with paternity claims.

This is contained in a statement issued by the UN on Monday. Peacekeepers have also been found to have committed even more atrocious sexual acts in Central African Republic.

It said that initial results suggested that there was evidence of transactional sex and sex with minors.

“There are also a number of paternity claims,” it said.

The statement also said that the UN Mission in DRC said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF and its partners were providing medical and psycho-social support to the victims.

It said that having received allegations on March 23 of sexual exploitation and abuse by members of the Tanzanian contingent of the Mission’s Force Intervention Brigade in Mavivi village.

That the Eastern DRC would immediately dispatch a Response Team led by the Conduct and Discipline Unit to ascertain the facts.

“This information was communicated to the Tanzanian authorities through the Permanent Mission in New York and to the DRC authorities on the ground.

“In line with the Secretary General’s zero tolerance policy and UN Security Council Resolution 2272 (2016).

“These allegations are being immediately and thoroughly investigated and if substantiated, prompt action will be taken.

“Also, the alleged perpetrators had been ordered to remain in their camp during the investigation,” it said.

The statement added that further updated information would follow as it becomes available.