18 new sexual abuse claims against UN peacekeepers in DRC

KINSHASA: The United Nations said Wednesday it had registered 18 alleged cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by its peacekeepers and civilian personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year.

Fourteen of the allegations involve paternity cases or complainants seeking “care for children born out of relationships,” said Adama Ndao, head of the conduct and discipline unit at MONUSCO, the UN´s peacekeeping mission in the country.

Some incidents relate to events that date back as far as 2013, she said, adding that complainants were being offered “psychological and medical support”. “All allegations are being investigated by the competent structures,” Ndao said.