UN SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS (C-34)
2007 SESSION
general debate: February 26 -27, 2007

Index • References to Gender • References to Sexual Exploitation and abuse

Summary
The UN's Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations began its 2007 substantive session with the traditional 2-day General Debate, in which troop and police-contributing states gave statements indicating their position on a variety of peacekeeping issues.

Much of the session focused on the demands facing the UN's peacekeeping infrastructure due to the unprecedented surge in the number and size of peacekeeping missions. In his opening remarks the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, emphasized the need for a structural response to the increased demand for peacekeepers, noting the Secretary general's proposals for reform of the department, including the creation of a separate Department of Field Support.

The theme of reform was also highlighted in member states' remarks on the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeeping personnel. A number of states expressed disatisfaction with the committee's inability to reach agreement on a draft memorandum of understanding between the UN and troop contributing countries that would ensure accountability for peacekeeper misconduct, as well as on the adoption of a strategy for assistance to victims of sexual exploitation by UN personnel. (see excerpts of statements below)

A number of states also highlighted their commitment to increasing women's participation in peacekeeping. However, as correctly noted by some, efforts towards women's participation should not merely focus on increasing female personnel in field missions, but also on mechanisms to ensure gender equality and the appointment of women to senior positions at headquarters and in the field, in line with Security Council Resolution 1325. (see excerpts of statements below)

References to Gender

Argentina
We consider civilian knowledge a rich resource whose trained collaboration would be priceless, for example in the preparation and implementation of an electoral process in a country emerging from conflict or in the reconstruction of its administrative or justice system, as well as in tasks of promotion and defense of human rights and gender equality.

In the framework of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) “Women, Peace, and Security”, I would like to underline the that my country has participated in the recent seminar in Pretoria on the “Women’s constituencies from Troop and Police Contributing Countries”, and has been selected as a pilot country-together with three states-with the objective of consolidating the implementation of this resolution at the national level.

El Salvador (PeaceWomen Translation)
Our Delegation highlights the importance and the necessity for women to participate on an equal level, and in an ample and complete manner, in all of the initiatives aimed at maintaining and creating peace and security within the peace missions of the United Nations and [its] processes of securing peace. From this results an essential condition that promotes and strengthens the participation of women, as they have an outlet through which to be involved in decisions regarding the solution and prevention of conflicts. This permits women to have access to the information channels that allow them to detect violence, and open dialogue to begin creating tolerance and peace.

We believe that effort still needs to be made to strengthen the role that women play in the UN and UN peacekeeping missions. We believe that more women need to be in the roles of gender advisors, civil police, and human rights advisors.

Ghana
The Secretary-General’s report highlighted an issue of concern to my delegation – the promotion of gender equality in peacekeeping. Although some modest gains have been made both by Troop-Contributing Countries (TCC) and at the Headquarters, the persistent asymmetrical level of representation between men and women is untenable. The time has come to move beyond the annual ritual of paying lip service to gender equality to the pursuit of practical measures to buttress our commitment to gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations as envisioned under Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000).

Apart from TCC’s increasing female personnel for peacekeeping operations, the organization should also demonstrate its commitment by appointing more women to senior managerial positions at Headquarters and command posts at missions. We consequently pledge our full support for the Secretary-General’s proposal to make gender equality the focus of consultations in 2007.

India
India has also traditionally been contributing lady military and police officers to a number of UN Missions. In response to the Secretary-General’s call for increased representation of female personnel in field missions, we feel particularly honoured to have provided the first full Female Formed Police Unit for peacekeeping work. This unit is currently assisting the UN Mission in Liberia in reaching out to the most vulnerable sections of society, i.e. women and children, in a post-conflict environment, besides performing its normal duties.

Namibia
Namibia attaches great importance to the participation of women in peacekeeping operations.The numbers of women in our peacekeeping contingents have been increasing steadily. However, we are not pleased with the pace. For us, the participation of women in not simply a question of gender balance, even though that is important in itself. We believe women have different capabilities that can add value and enhance the chance for the success if peacekeeping missions. Women represent a source of strength and wisdom that we can only ignore at [our] own peril.

Norway

Norway would like to commend the DPKO for the policy directive on gender equality in peacekeeping that was adopted in November last year. It provides clear guidance for the UN and the Member States on how to follow up on their obligations under Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Norway would like to stress how important it is that gender advisors are appointed at senior level, to strengthen their ability to influence decision-making.

References to Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Algeria (PeaceWomen translation)
We have acknowledged the creation of a disciplinary team at the chair's organization in ten operations as well as the creation of two groups of lawyers who are in charge of forming opinions about people who are responsible for committing penal infractions. In this respect, we continue to condemn these acts of abuse and sexual exploitation, where a small minority, in certain peace missions, are guilty for discrediting the excellent work done by peacekeeping operation personnel.

This non-equivocal group of countries, who contribute troops, should reinforce the zero tolerance politics we endorse and form a notion of impunity.

Australia
Much work has already been done in the UN and in particular this Committee, in order to fully implement the policy f zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and a number of initiatives are still on our agenda for completion. Expectations are high in this regard-and rightly so. We urge member states to complete the work on the revised MOU at the next session of the Ad Hoc working group of Experts in May. We need to work in earnest toward the full implementation of a victim assistance strategy. We must build on the work on the Group of Legal experts. And we also invite the Secretariat to present a draft policy on personnel and welfare in a timely manner. Military, police, and civilian members of UN Peace Operations must empower women and children, and implement mandates in a manner which effectively addresses the scourge of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Bangladesh
We reaffirm our unflinching support for the Zero Tolerance Policy towards any form of sexual exploitation and abuse, and other cases of misconduct. My delegation underscores our assurance that any such aberration by our own peacekeepers will be dealt with utmost strict measures. We are pleased to note that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has developed Standard Operating Procedures on welfare and recreation provision. We look forward to its implementation in the Missions.

Brazil
The Special Committee should also look carefully into the questions of conduct and discipline. A minority of peacekeeping personnel that commits unlawful acts should not be allowed to tarnish the image of the Organization or to frustrate the mandate of the missions. All cases of misconduct and indiscipline are equally harmful, and sexual abuse and exploitation should be considered as only one modality to be addressed by the Committee.

Chile (PeaceWomen translation)
Regarding the conduct and discipline of peacekeeping contingents, we would like to show that Chile has been very demanding, and continues to be, of the selection of its personnel. We are thus aware of the grave repercussions that sexual abuse and exploitation can have on those that are already legally and materially disadvantaged, in states where the UN has had to intervene due to unrest.

We need to understand that when such an injustice occurs, the victim should have immediate recourse to assistance, and also access to a method of accountability, in order for the perpetrator to be held accountable and punished. While it is necessary to punish those who are guilty, it is also important to not punish any man or woman until their guilt is validated.

Cuba
My delegation deems important to keep the zero tolerance policy in tackling all cases of exploitation and sexual abuses committed by peacekeeping personnel. In this regard, we are pleased to see the progress made so on this issue.

We regret that during the debate carried out by the Ad Hoc Group of Experts of the Special Committee of PKO’s on December 11-15, 2006, no agreement could be reached on a strategy of protection to the victims of sexual abuse by UN personnel, nor on a revised draft of the Memorandum of Understanding between troop contributors and the UN.

El Salvador PeaceWomen translation
My delegation is very pleased to see the first teams of conduct and discipline in those regions that are destined to benefit from the peace operations. Also, we recognize the importance of continuing the policy of zero tolerance in order to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse.

Ghana
No single activity has dented the reputation and credibility of UN peacekeeping operations more than sexual exploitation and abuse. Peacekeeping can only be effective provided it attracts the confidence of the already traumatized victims of conflict, and such heinous crimes could undermine that trust. Our efforts have so far failed to completely eradicate the menace, although its incidence has been reduced. Nothing short of a complete obliteration of this negative stigma on peacekeeping operations would be satisfactory.

It is our expectation that the proposed MOU would facilitate the eradication of such reprehensible acts. It is also pertinent that we take urgent action on a comprehensive policy on victim assistance as well as other preventative strategies, such as personnel welfare and recreation and the anti-prostitution campaign.

The Republic of Guinea (PeaceWomen translation)
My country, the Republic of Guinea, continues to support the zero tolerance politics about the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse. It appreciates the exchanged points of view between the member states and the Secretariat. During the resumed session in December 2006, where the revised versions of the agreement Memorandum, the detailed assistance strategy, and the support for sexually abused and exploited victims were discussed. In spite of the lack of agreement, we encourage the State members to work together to find an appropriate solution for this question that is unfortunately still ongoing.

We are pleased about the elaboration of the general directives during the informal settings, which go into effect this year. If the means are available, we encourage the recruitment of a specialist who could examine this question and help make improvements. In our point of view, this would substantially reduce cases of sexual exploitation.

India
As regards conduct and discipline of troops, we are convinced that sexual exploitation and abuse are totally unacceptable forms of behaviour. We fully support the implementation of a policy of zero tolerance and encourage raising the awareness of those with managerial and command responsibilities and the establishing of standards of conduct, training and investigation. Careful preparatory training in terms of a multi-cultural, pluralistic, and tolerant outlook is as important as subsequent swift punitive actions, once culpability is established. We look forward to finalizing the revised Draft MOU and Draft Comprehensive Strategy of Assistance and Support to Victims of Sexual Exploitation.

Indonesia
On the occasional issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by the UN peacekeepers, Indonesia reiterates its zero tolerance policy for it. There is a requirement for better pre-deployment and continued in-mission training of the peacekeeper on this most unfortunate subject that tarnishes the image of the wider peacekeeping missions.

Iran
We encourage the Secretary-General to continue efforts already undertaken in the area of conduct and discipline aimed at eradication of misconduct of those engaging in the peacekeeping operations, including the peacekeepers. While acknowledging the outstanding contribution and sacrifices of peacekeepers, Iran stresses that all UN peacekeeping personnel should perform their duties in a manner that ensures credibility and positive image of the United Nations and preserve the Organization’s impartiality and integrity. Thus, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a policy of zero tolerance in addressing all cases of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by peacekeeping personnel. In this regard, accountability of all personnel “during assignment on peacekeeping missions” where their actions may affect the credibility and image of the Organization, is a must.

Jamaica
Jamaica also supports the view that a zero-tolerance approach should be maintained with respect to conduct and disciplinary issues, especially as it relates to sexual exploitation and abuse in UN peacekeeping operations. In this connection, we look forward to an early resumption of negotiations on the draft MOU and further consideration of the Secretary-General’s strategy on victim assistance.

Japan
As regards to human resources, it continues to be a challenge to secure highly qualified personnel and to train troops applying appropriate standard, including measures to address sexual exploitation and abuse. Our delegation would like to recall that it is the troop and police contributing country that has the pimary responsibility for maintaining discipline among the troops and police and training its detachment properly.

Jordan
My delegation will continue to work towards achieving progress on both the revised model MOU and the Comprehensive strategy on assistance and support to victims of SEA. We hope that future discussions would culminate in a positive outcome that would tackle this serious issue in a concrete and comprehensive manner.

Kenya
Finally, we welcome finalization by the Experts Working Group the Revised Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to lay the ground for uniform application of the law and standard code of conduct for all peacekeepers. This will call for accountability at individual and state level and thereby check against criminal activities and offenses related to sexual abuse and exploitation (SEA).

Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea
Sexual assaults on civilians by peacekeepers are a serious violation of human rights in blatant contravention by the UN charter. Such crimes are, de jure and de facto, a mere reflection of past crimes of sex slavery committed by the Japanese army. During the last century, Japanese army forcibly drafted and committed inhumane crimes of sex slavery against more than 200,000 Korean women, surpassing all ordinary human imagination.

Nevertheless, Japan does not recognize such crimes at all, but instead, justifies its crime-woven history to its new generation by distorting contents of history textbooks. This can only be interpreted as Japan wants to revive such crimes of its past. In order to prevent further sexual violence by peacekeepers, Japan's past crimes of sex slavery which are the base of all other forms of sex crimes must be addressed and completely liquidated.

Nigeria
Nigeria has taken note of the progress that has been recorded in the implementation of the Secretary-General's policy on zero tolerance against sexual exploitation and abuse among the UN peacekeeping personnel. Nigeria subscribes fully to this policy. We have already taken steps to ensure that through intensive training, our troops and police personnel deployed for United Nations peacekeeping operations are duly sensitized to, and scrupulously follow that policy. We however observe that investigations into alleged cases of sexual exploitation and misconduct, are unjustifiably delayed. As justice delayed is justice denied, my delegation recommends thorough and early investigation and disposal of alleged cases of sexual exploitation and abuse and other related cases. In this context, we recommend that early action should be taken to strengthen and adequately fund the Office of Internal Oversight (OIOS), whose duty it is to handle cases of this nature.

Norway
Norway fully agrees with the SG's emphasis on the need to strengthen oversight, whether of procurement or sexual misconduct. The high-level conference in December last year demonstrated strong commitment and tangible progress on concrete measures to eliminate the latter. However, we still have some way to go. Norway is advocating a rapid finalization of a strategy for victims. We, the members of this committee, must ensure that victims and the children born of such misconduct, receive the assistance they require.

Peru (PeaceWomen translation)
[We} support a strict form of discipline inside peacekeeping missions, in order to assure that all member countries that contribute troops investigate and punish misconduct, in particular those cases of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Sri Lanka
While we talk about institutional reforms, we also need to emphasize on the conduct and discipline of the UN troops. On this sensitive subject, we endorse adopting a policy of zero tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse. We commend the work carried out by the DPKO to promote accountability and improve the conduct of the troops through increased awareness and training. In this regard, we are eager to work on the proposed model MOU and the victim's assistance strategy, which unfortunately could not be concluded during our deliberations last December.

Switzerland
The problem of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) unfortunately remains a preoccupying issue. It is indeed a major, for it tends to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the UN forces and thus to endanger the ultimate success of a mission. The main task of the members of of a peacekeeping operation is to protect the civil population. How then is it possible to for them to successfully carry out their mission if they act against the interests of certain members of the population?

Switzerland is in favor of a vigorous policy designed to eradicate this evil, and approves the measures taken by the UN so far. Aware however that it is highly unlikely that the problem can be solved overnight, Switzerland welcomes the fact that the UN has set itself an ambitious target notably with a total ban on all recourse to prostitution.

Switzerland regrets that Member States were unable to reach an agreement on the revised draft “ Memorandum of Understanding” or the Comprehensive Strategy on assistance and support to victims of SEA during the resumed session of December 2006. We would however like to express our appreciation of the efforts of the Secretariat, and to call on Member States to show more good will in this matter. Since we are unanimous in our support for a zero tolerance policy, it is regrettable that victims must continue to suffer in the field merely because we are unable to agree on the way to achieve our objective.

United States
Allow me to cite one area in that regard. For years, both the UN and Member States had largely ignored the issue of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). Since the C-34 first met on this issue in 2005, the UN in general, and DPKO in particular, have implemented a number of measures to prevent SEA and to enforce UN standards of conduct. However, even as we confront these issues more effectively, new allegations of such abuses involving UN peacekeepers continue to surface.

It is obvious that we must take greater action in pursuing justice and resolution for both the abuses that have already been committed, as well as to ensure that these illicit acts are not repeated in any current or future peacekeeping operations. Our failure to act on this matter now will have profound consequences for both existing and future peacekeeping missions. With this in mind, we call on the Members of the C-34 to work harder at drafting a model memorandum of understanding that is both agreeable to all, and addresses the issue of SEA and peacekeeping in a firm and transparent manner.

Uruguay (PeaceWomen translation)
Concerning conduct and discipline, our delegation reiterates our complete support for the zero tolerance policy established by the Secretary General regarding sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN peacekeepers. My delegation agrees with the methods to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse proposed by the DPKO a campaign to create advisors who are charged with preparing concrete codes of conduct for missions, in order to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse.