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UN uncovers ‘proof’ of sexual abuse by Indian peacekeepers

UN officials said on Tuesday they had uncovered evidence that Indian troops may have engaged in sexual abuse while serving as UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A UN probe “revealed prima facie evidence” that Indian peacekeepers previously assigned to the UN mission in DRC (MONUC) “may have engaged in sexual exploitation and abuse,” a UN statement said.

The case involved the “abuse of young girls and in some cases boys by at least 100 Indian peacekeepers over a period of several years,” a UN official familiar with the probe said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Those allegedly involved have been rotated back to India, he said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was “deeply troubled” by the outcome of the probe into the allegations by the UN internal investigative arm, the UN statement said.

Ban “reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, that such behavior, if substantiated, is wholly unacceptable,” the statement said.

It said that the maximum disciplinary action allowed under Indian law “should be taken as soon as possible against those found to be involved in such misconduct.”

The Indian government has assured the world body “that the allegations will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and, if proven, strict and exemplary action would be taken as per the law,” the statement said.

Along with Pakistan, India is one of the leading troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.

Ban said he “highly values India’s long-standing and valuable support for United Nations peacekeeping” and expressed “his respect for all those peacekeepers from India and other troop contributing countries who serve with honor and commitment.”

“The misconduct of a few should not diminish the enormous contribution and sacrifice of the large number of blue helmets who serve the cause of peace,” he said.

In May, MONUC already expressed deep concern about allegations of sexual abuse against some of its peacekeepers and said they were being probed by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services.

It gave no further details but UN and local sources in DRC then said the probe focused on an alleged child prostitution ring in Masisi, northwest of North Kivu Province’s capital, Goma.

The sources said Indian MONUC peacekeepers in Masisi were accused of paying for sex with young Congolese girls near the force’s camp between the middle of last year and early this year.

Indian UN peacekeepers have also been accused of trafficking in gold in DRC while Pakistani troops have also been embroiled in similar allegations of trading in gold and guns with Congolese militia they were meant to be disarming.

The DRC is recovering from a devastating 1998 to 2003 civil war. Millions of people are believed to have died from the combined effects of the conflict.
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