U.N.: We’re putting crime victims first

Sexual exploitation and abuse by U.N. personnel is entirely unacceptable. But your article “U.N. fails to stem rapes by peacekeepers in Africa, victims cry” states that U.N. staff still rape with impunity despite pledges by U.N. leaders to end the abuses. This is not the case.

We have made significant progress in responding to this issue. We are putting victims first. In the Central African Republic (CAR), for example, we conduct outreach campaigns on how victims can safely report allegations through a toll- free hotline, focal points within our personnel and the community. Victims’ assistance protocols are in place, including counseling and medical assistance. But we also need victims and witnesses to come forward. If they do not, we cannot follow up, request investigations or provide the assistance they deserve.

Our partnership with the member states is also bearing fruit. Investigation time frames are shortenings, and we continue to follow up with them on all pending cases. We are vetting and training thousands of personnel each month, while supporting member states with their pre-deployment training. We have a mandatory e-learning training course, and U.N. personnel and implementing partners are required to carry a “No Excuses” pocket card on our zero-tolerance policy and ways to report sexual exploitation and abuse.

Leadership is standing up and taking responsibility as well. Last year, 72 member states signed a Voluntary Compact with the U.N. (as of September 2017) and a further 58 heads of states and government also joined Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Circle of Leadership. The Trust Fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse will help fund projects in support of victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CAR, Liberia and where assistance gaps have been identified.

As the secretary-general stated, “We will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the U.N. flag.” We’re determined to work to make this important goal a daily reality.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, peacekeeping ops Atul Khare, field support United Nations