SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE IN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS: UNITED NATIONS LEGITIMACY

Abstract

This paper discusses the theme of sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping missions, specifically at the hands of peacekeepers and more broadly within the host country. The prevalence of sexual exploitation and abuse have threatened the legitimacy of the United Nations and have called into question the peace-building process. To combat negative international attention and bring more focus to the original goals of peacekeeping, the United Nations has undergone reforms in peacekeeping missions. In recent years there has been a stronger focus outside of just conflict containment and maintaining ceasefires. Currently, the United Nations follows the multidimensional approach and creates comprehensive mission mandates that have added more humanitarian focus to missions. Following the passing of Resolution 1325, mission mandates will now commonly include language pertaining to violence against women and more recently specific language about sexual exploitation and abuse. UNMIL, the United Nation’s Mission in Liberia, first deploying in 2003 and completing its’ mission mandates in 2018 provides a lens into the most recent waves of peacekeeping missions. There is specific language about sexual exploitation and abuse, and as a completed mission there are many studies and articles examining the mission.