Addressing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Addressing the issue of sexual crimes committed by Peace Operations personnel has long been on the UN ’s agenda. The complaint mechanisms have been improved, from ad hoc reactions in the 1990s to appointing a Special Coordinator on sexual exploitation and abuse ( SEA ) issues in 2016. This paper makes recommendations to tackle persisting SEA problems, based on the author’s research into over 600 alleged cases and on the UN accountability mechanisms. The personal scope is limited to UN Police personnel. The UN ’s approach in conflating sexual crimes and misconduct fail to reflect the severity of crimes. The UN is also ineffective in generating information fit for use in criminal proceedings. However, the laws on jurisdiction and immunity do not constitute legal barriers to accountability, if they are applied correctly. Other recommendations are made with regard to the way of investigation, steps in ensuring prosecution, and follow-up procedures with States concerned.