UN launches inquiry into child sexual abuse claims in C Africa

United Nations, Jun 5: The UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic has launched a probe into an alleged child sex abuse case against one of its personnel.

"Babacar Gaye, the head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), had immediately authorised an investigation after the Mission received information of the alleged offense, reportedly committed by a 'blue helmet' in the eastern part of the country," UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said yesterday.

According to the spokesperson, Gaye has reiterated the UN's zero tolerance policy when it comes to sexual abuse. Dujarric also noted that measures have been implemented to protect the alleged victim and provide her with the appropriate care.

"The UN has also asked the troop-contributing government of the soldier implicated by these allegations to launch an investigation as soon as possible," Dujarric added. The allegations came on the heels of an ongoing inquiry into another instance of reported sexual abuse in CAR involving foreign troops and predating MINUSCA's arrival in the country.

The announcement comes a day after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ordered establishing an independent review panel to investigate the world body's handling of sexual abuse allegations involving French troops in CAR.

PTI