LONDON, May 8 -- Liberian girls as young as 8 are being sexually exploited by United Nations peacekeepers, aid workers and teachers in return for food, small favors and even rides in trucks, according to a new report from Save the Children U.K. The report said the problem was widespread throughout Liberia, a small country struggling to get back on its feet after a long and bloody civil war. Save the Children based its findings on interviews with more than 300 people in camps for displaced people and in neighborhoods whose residents have returned after being driven away by war. They said men in positions of authority -- aid workers and soldiers, government employees and officials in the camps -- were abusing girls. "All of the respondents clearly stated that the scale of the problem affected over half of the girls in their locations," the report said. "The girls reportedly ranged in age from 8 to 18 years, with girls of 12 years and upward described as being regularly involved in 'selling sex,' commonly referred to as 'man business.' " In a statement from Liberia, the United Nations said that eight cases of sexual abuse and exploitation involving its workers had been reported since the beginning of the year and that one staff member had been suspended, Reuters reported.
The report said the problem was widespread throughout Liberia, a small country struggling to get back on its feet after a long and bloody civil war.
Save the Children based its findings on interviews with more than 300 people in camps for displaced people and in neighborhoods whose residents have returned after being driven away by war. They said men in positions of authority -- aid workers and soldiers, government employees and officials in the camps -- were abusing girls.
"All of the respondents clearly stated that the scale of the problem affected over half of the girls in their locations," the report said. "The girls reportedly ranged in age from 8 to 18 years, with girls of 12 years and upward described as being regularly involved in 'selling sex,' commonly referred to as 'man business.' "
In a statement from Liberia, the United Nations said that eight cases of sexual abuse and exploitation involving its workers had been reported since the beginning of the year and that one staff member had been suspended, Reuters reported.
Following a study in Liberia, Save the Children UK has reported finding the exploitation of children by humanitarian workers, peacekeepers and local businessmen to be prolific. The study was conducted in temporary camps for those displaced by the civil war and amongst those recently repatriated to their towns and villages of origin after the end of the war. Despite commitments made in 2002 by non governmental organizations, the United Nations and peacekeepers to improve the worldwide monitoring of recruitment and staff conduct, vulnerable children are still exchanging sex for basic necessities such as money to attend school or food to feed their families.
Despite commitments made in 2002 by non governmental organizations, the United Nations and peacekeepers to improve the worldwide monitoring of recruitment and staff conduct, vulnerable children are still exchanging sex for basic necessities such as money to attend school or food to feed their families.
Pursuing the United Nations policy of zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by its staff, the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has reported eight cases for investigation since the beginning of the year, one of which has been substantiated with the person involved immediately suspended. The other investigations are continuing. "The United Nations in Liberia is committed to prevent, identify and sanction the abhorrent practice of sexual abuse and exploitation in full compliance with the Secretary-General's Bulletin `Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse' and its policy of zero tolerance," the mission said in a statement. Secretary-General Kofi Annan instituted the policy following allegations in 2004 against peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
"The United Nations in Liberia is committed to prevent, identify and sanction the abhorrent practice of sexual abuse and exploitation in full compliance with the Secretary-General's Bulletin `Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse' and its policy of zero tolerance," the mission said in a statement.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan instituted the policy following allegations in 2004 against peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The United Nations in Liberia takes the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse seriously and is currently implementing a range of measures to address the matter. The United Nations recognizes the urgent need to raise awareness about SEA and in this regard takes note of the release of the Save the Children UK Discussion Paper entitled "From Camp to Community: Liberia study on exploitation of children." On several occasions the United Nations met with Save the Children UK to discuss the issue of SEA and to offer a collaborative approach to intensify actions against SEA. On these occasions the United Nations has sought information on specific cases to prevent and sanction SEA. Although Save did not discuss the ultimate findings or recommendations of its report with the United Nations, the Organization will continue to vigorously pursue its activities to prevent and deal with SEA. The United Nations is committed to continue to work with national authorities and other partners in an effort to ensure a common, effective approach to deal with SEA.
On several occasions the United Nations met with Save the Children UK to discuss the issue of SEA and to offer a collaborative approach to intensify actions against SEA. On these occasions the United Nations has sought information on specific cases to prevent and sanction SEA. Although Save did not discuss the ultimate findings or recommendations of its report with the United Nations, the Organization will continue to vigorously pursue its activities to prevent and deal with SEA. The United Nations is committed to continue to work with national authorities and other partners in an effort to ensure a common, effective approach to deal with SEA.
