UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said correspondents that the decision to send the unit home was taken by the Secretariat in New York after consultations with the Central African Republic Peacekeeping Mission, MINUSCA.
“Credible Evidence”
“The decision comes after a preliminary investigation has revealed credible evidence that 11 members of the unit had allegedly sexually exploited and abused four victims,” Mr Dujarric said.
In a statement, MINUSCA said a rapid response team was “immediately deployed” to investigate the allegations.
Responding to the news on Twitter, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix stated that the Scourge had no place in any part of his department, adding that the forthcoming repatriation was “an issue”. robust measure to protect victims and demonstrate our determination to address this injustice swiftly with the troop-contributing country.”
The victims provided care and support
“The identified victims are are cared for and supported by the Mission’s humanitarian partners. The mission has also dispatched a team to continue working with the community,” he added.
The spokesman said the Tanzanian government had already been officially informed of the decision and had done so dispatched a national investigative team to CAR.
Tanzania promises action
“By reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse, the The Tanzanian authorities pointed out the seriousness of the allegations and have obliged to take the necessary measures to address these matters.”
Mr Dujarric added that the unit had been moved from the area where the alleged abuse took place and was now located locked in barracks “To protect the victims, of course also to ensure the integrity of the investigation.” The unit is repatriated as soon as their presence in the theater is no longer required by the investigators.”
zero tolerance
He noted that the Secretariat’s decision was in line with Security Council Resolution 2272, which clearly supports the UN Secretary-General’s decisions on the repatriation of peacekeeping personnel “from a specified military unit or formed police unit of a contingent, if any”. credible evidence of widespread or systematic sexual exploitation and abuse from this unit.”
At the beginning of his term in office, UN chief António Guterres announced a resolute and robust policy “Zero Tolerance” to sexual abuse by UN personnel, Call to Member States to sign a voluntary pact to prevent and combat the scourge in 2017.
Mr Dujarric stressed that the UN remains committed to the “robust implementation” of the zero tolerance policy at all levels.
