INTERNATIONAL: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by U.N Peacekeepers – Why the Problem Continues to Persist

The United Nations peacekeeping missions have a compelling role in assisting states emerging from conflicts. Notorious for their missions, peacekeepers are paramount in bringing peace for societies to being the rebuilding process. United Nations (U.N) peacekeeping missions have throughout the years obtained a distinguished role within the international community. However mindful of the commendable work peacekeepers are involved with, there remains a dark stain behind the curtain of the prestigious peacekeeper. Sexual exploitation and abuse committed by U.N peacekeepers have been reported throughout peacekeeping missions. These include Cambodia and Bosnia Herzegovina in the 1990s, to West Africa in 2002, the Democratic Republic in 2004 and to the latest installment of allegations, 2012, Haiti. Allegations of sexual exploitation create a negative outlook on peacekeeping missions, and prevent a successful transformation of peace and stability to the host country. To discuss allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by U.N peacekeepers remains a taboo topic. Yet, it is vital to explore if peacekeeping operations continue to help establish order and peace in prior conflict ridden areas.