UN sexual abuse claims

Professor Rosa Freedman, Professor of Law Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading said:

 

 

"The documentary that airs tonight on the BBC once again exposes the issues about sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel. This is a topic that has received widespread attention, from peacekeeping operations to the recent New York court that found guilty a senior member of staff. 

 

"The UN has taken steps to improve everything, including a clear focus on victims' rights and support, but there is a long way to go. And we must also remember that it is an employer and only has the powers of any employer ranging from Google to a local library. 

 

"Together with Keeping Children Safe, in our work with the UN, member states, and international NGOs we have focused on concrete action to implement changes across all organisations and actors involved in peacekeeping operations. Our research and work has shown that to address this issue, from prevention to accountability, we must focus on implementing safeguarding throughout the UN and its partner organisations. Without robust, evidence-based safeguarding, these issues will remain." 

 

 

Rosa Freedman is Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development. She is a leading expert on the United Nations and human rights, and has spent many years working with the UN and FCDO to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers and humanitarian workers in conflict or crisis zones. Rosa sits on the UN Secretary General's civil society advisory board, and is a specialist advisor to the UK government’s International Development Select Committee.