The International Peace Institute (IPI) has released a report that highlights significant legal and structural barriers to justice in cases involving Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH) committed by United Nations peacekeepers. According to the report, there is a crucial need for a unified and victim-centered approach within UN peace operations to effectively tackle these intertwined forms of misconduct.
Historically, United Nations policies have given more attention to SEA directed at host populations, whereas SH targeting fellow peacekeeping personnel has largely been ignored. This disparity points to outdated frameworks that inaccurately separate SEA and SH, despite their common foundation in power imbalances and gender inequality. This separation not only misguides policymakers and peacekeepers but also diverts resources away from comprehensive efforts aimed at prevention and accountability.
The challenges in achieving accountability are further exacerbated by the differing ways SEA and SH cases are processed. While SEA incidents are formally documented as “serious misconduct” with structured investigation mechanisms, SH allegations are often deemed as “lower-risk” and are frequently delegated to contingent commanders. This restricts independent examinations and contributes to widespread impunity.
The case of South Africa recalling eight UN peacekeepers in October 2023 following allegations of sexual exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exemplifies these systemic failures. Survivors faced barriers in accessing justice, as national legal systems that handle these cases often protect perpetrators. The report indicates that less than 5% of countries contributing troops or police have specific legal frameworks addressing SH. This lack of legislation, combined with fears of retaliation and stigma, discourages reporting and perpetuates a culture of silence.
In response, the report suggests that SEA and SH be addressed together under a single framework, referred to as Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Such a framework would facilitate the implementation of stronger preventative measures and provide equitable support to all survivors. The report advocates for the integration of this unified approach into UN training programs, focusing on the underlying issues like gendered power dynamics. Establishing external and confidential reporting systems independent from national jurisdictions is also recommended to foster trust and encourage accountability.
This report underscores the urgency for reform within the UN to overhaul the fragmented systems governing SEA and SH in peacekeeping missions, aiming for comprehensive, transparent, and victim-centered accountability practices. The text recommends that the UN, by addressing these issues under the SEAH framework, can strengthen prevention measures and enhance the accountability of peace operations, ultimately safeguarding the mission’s integrity and ensuring justice for all survivors.