March 3, 2005 - (The Analyst - Monrovia) Personnel serving with the United Nation Mission In Liberia and other agencies of the world body may lose their respective jobs if found in practices unacceptable to the principles and norms of the UN system.

United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Madam Louise Frechette warned that UN would not back off on its "zero tolerance" for gender based violence.

In recent times, the issue of gender-based violence in the operation of the United Nations around the world became topical, something many say cannot be overemphasized.

About 8 UN peacekeepers in recent times were relieved of their respective engagements for their alleged involvement in sexual abuse against Congolese women in Northern part of the country.

At the conclusion of her visit to Liberia, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN disclosed that her coming to Liberia was intended to create awareness on the UN zero tolerance policy on gender based violence.

Speaking to journalists at the headquarters of UNMIL yesterday, the UN official stressed that any UNMIL soldiers engage in gender based violence will be prosecuted in line with the due process of law of his country.

"I have not come here to investigate gender based violence, rather to create the awareness and educate the public about how to express their grievances to the appropriate UN authorities," Madam Frechette told the press.

She warned UNMIL soldiers not to engage in any act that has the propensity to undermine their sacrificial service while on the peace mission in Liberia.

The United Nations official challenged Liberians to report any soldier either to the sector office, or battalion office and or the mission.
She used the occasion to praise the achievement of UNMIL in the peace building process of Liberia.

"I am impressed with the pace the peace process is taking. I am sure that there is a sign for durable peace in Liberia," the UN official noted.

She said the high command of the UNMIL will in no way compromise with immorality and any soldiers who will engage in gender based violence will be exposed.