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100 UN (United Nations) officers accused of rape in the name of help, UN (United Nations) itself disclosed
Serious allegations have been made against the United Nations in a new report. According to the report, more than 100 cases of sexual exploitation and misconduct have been reported in UN (United Nations) peacekeeping missions and political campaigns in 2024. This is the third time in the last 10 years that the number of such allegations has reached more than 100. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres himself has given this information.
The United Nations, i.e., UN, (United Nations), is considered to be the most trusted and influential organization in the world. Which talks about justice, peace, and security around the world. Whenever a situation of conflict arises in a country or people need humanitarian help, the UN (United Nations) deploys its peace missions there. But now, a shocking report has raised questions about the image of this very organization.
According to the report, more than 100 cases of sexual exploitation and misconduct have been reported in the year 2024 related to UN (United Nations) peacekeeping missions and political campaigns. This figure is very worrying because this is the third time in the last 10 years that the number of such cases has reached more than 100. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres himself has shared this information.
Shocking figures of the report
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his report that 125 victims have been identified in cases of exploitation and rape in 2024. These include 98 adults and 27 children. Although this number is less than the 145 victims recorded in 2023, it remains a matter of concern.
According to the report, out of the total 102 allegations, 82 per cent are related to only two UN peace missions. The first is Congo, where 44 cases were registered. And the second is – The Central African Republic, where 40 cases were registered. UN (United Nations) peacekeepers deployed in both these countries have previously been accused of serious sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse. Apart from this, cases of sexual misconduct have also been reported in UN missions in South Sudan, Lebanon, Haiti, Colombia, and Afghanistan.
Victim women gave birth to children
One of the most shocking revelations in the report is that 65 women have claimed that they were victims of rape and gave birth to children of UN (United Nations) soldiers. These women have now demanded assistance in raising the children and identification of the father.
According to the United Nations, about 750 cases related to paternity and child support have been registered since 2006, but no concrete action has been taken in more than 500 of these cases yet.
Wrong thinking about sexual misconduct among UN staff
The report also reported that 190 allegations of sexual abuse have been registered against staff associated with UN (United Nations) agencies, funds, and programs. Although this number is less than the 284 cases registered in 2023, it is still worrying. Apart from this, 382 allegations have been made against non-UN personnel working under UN programs.
The UN (United Nations) has implemented training to avoid sexual misconduct for its employees, but in a survey conducted in 2024, out of 64,585 UN employees, 3.65%, i.e., 2,360 employees, admitted that it is justified to have sex by paying money. At the same time, 1%, i.e., 555 employees, said that it is okay to engage in sexual activity with children. These figures are very embarrassing for the UN and raise serious questions about its policymaking.
Increased distrust in UN leadership
This report has also exposed the growing distrust in the UN (United Nations) leadership. In the 2024 survey, 6% of the employees, i.e., 3,700, said that they do not trust the ability of UN leaders to properly handle cases related to sexual exploitation and misconduct. This figure was 3% in 2023, i.e., it has doubled in a year. The report says that this growing mistrust indicates that senior UN officials need to make their leadership more effective and accountable.
Guterres made this appeal
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to member countries to resolve this serious issue by holding their soldiers and personnel accountable. He said that the UN leadership will have to personally take responsibility for this issue and ensure that cases of sexual abuse are taken seriously. He also said that children born from such cases should be given all their rights, including citizenship.
