The Hindu : International : Probe finds sexual abuse by U.N. forces

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Sunday, Jan 09, 2005

International

International

Probe finds sexual abuse by U.N. forces

UNITED NATIONS, JAN. 8. U.N. peacekeepers in Congo sexually abused and exploited women and girls, some as young as 13, according to a report released by a U.N. watchdog agency on Friday.

Peacekeepers regularly had sex with Congolese women and girls, usually in exchange for food or small sums of money, an investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services found.

``We have had and continue to have a serious problem of sexual exploitation and abuse,'' William Lacy Swing, the Secretary-General's special representative to Congo, said on Friday at a news conference.

``We are shocked by it, we are outraged, we are sickened by it,'' he said. ``Peacekeepers who have been sworn to assist those in need, particularly those who have been victims of sexual violence, instead have caused grievous harm. It is inexcusable behaviour, we are determined to stamp it out.''

Sexual activities continued even while the investigation was going on in Bunia between May and September 2004, the report said.

— AP

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