Photos by: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters today he is “anguished, angered and ashamed by recurrent reports over the years of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN forces.”
“I cannot put into words how anguished, angered and ashamed I am by recurrent reports over the years of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN forces.”
“I have appointed a high-level external independent panel to look into, more closely into the reports of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic and our systemic response. I look forward to receiving their findings soon.”
Ban also said he has accepted the resignation of his Special Representative and head of the UN mission in CAR – known by its French acronym MINUSCA, Babacar Gaye, following the allegations of rape of a 12 year-old by MINUSCA peacekeepers.
Photo by: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
“Enough is enough. Today I have accepted the resignation of my Special Representative Mr. Babacar Gaye, Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA.”
“Tomorrow, I will also convene a video conference with my Special Representatives, Force Commanders and Police Commissioners in all peacekeeping operations to underscore their responsibility. I will reiterate that leaders must report allegations immediately investigate thoroughly and act decisively. Failure to do so will have clear consequences.”
“I want Member States to know that I cannot do this alone. They have the ultimate responsibility to hold individual uniformed personnel to account and they must take decisive preventive and punitive action.”
“To victims, I say we stand with you. Please come forward. Please feel safe in knowing that we will do all we can to respond to these outrageous crimes. You should not feel shame. Shame belongs to the perpetrators.”
Photo by: Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire
Secretary-General said he has appointed a high-level external independent panel “to look into reports of sexual exploitation and abuse in Central-African Republic. ”
The UN chief also called upon the Member States “to hold individual uniformed personnel to account” as well as to “take decisive preventive and punitive action.”
Source: EuropaNewswire, UNTV, EuropaNewswire – USA