40 more allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse reported in UN system

The number of sexual exploitation and abuses allegations reported across the entire UN system covering more than 185,000 civilian and military personnel in the last quarter of 2017 increased by 40 cases, the chief UN spokesman said on Thursday.

"Not all of the allegations have been fully verified, and many are in the preliminary assessment phase," said Stephen Dujarric, the spokesman, who explained the cases were reported between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017.

"Combating this scourge, and helping and empowering those who have been scarred by these egregious acts, continue to be key priorities" for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in 2018, Dujarric said.

"Out of the 40 allegations, 15 are reported from peacekeeping operations," he said. "These 15 are not new allegations, they have all been uploaded on the Conduct and Discipline database as they came in."

"The remaining 25 allegations are reported from agencies, funds and programs, and include 8 allegations relating to implementing partners," the spokesman said. "Of the 40 allegations, 13 are categorized as sexual abuse, 24 as sexual exploitation, and 3 are of an unknown nature."

Dujarric told reporters during a daily briefing here at UN Headquarters that the 40 allegations involve 54 victims -- 30 are women and 16 are under the age of 18. The ages of 8 others are unknown and 12 of the 40 allegations occurred in 2017, seven in 2016, three in 2015 or before. The dates are unknown for 18 of them.

"With regard to the status of the 40 allegations, two have been substantiated by an investigation; three were not substantiated; 15 are at various stages of investigation; 18 are under preliminary assessment; two are under review with limited information provided to the investigating entity," he explained during his update.

"With over 95,000 civilians and 90,000 uniformed personnel working for the United Nations, sexual exploitation and abuse are not reflective of the conduct of the majority of the dedicated women and men who serve the organization," he said.

"But every allegation involving our personnel undermines our values and principles and the sacrifice of those who serve with pride and professionalism in some of the most dangerous places in the world," the spokesman said.