UN 'Alarmed' by Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse in CAR by Peacekeepers

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Hussein expressed concern on Friday in light of allegations foreign soldiers serving in a UN-backed peacekeeping mission sexually abused children in the Central African Republic (CAR).

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — New allegations of sexual abuse have recently been made against soldiers of the UN-mandated EU military operation in the CAR (EUFOR RCA) from the French and Georgian contingents. The alleged crimes, which are believed to have mostly taken place in 2014, were revealed during a UN investigation.

"These are extremely serious accusations and it is crucial that these cases are thoroughly and urgently investigated… We will continue to closely follow up on these cases, and any others which emerge as the UN team on the ground," Hussein said.

He added that far too many crimes of this nature continue to go unpunished, with the perpetrators enjoying full impunity that encourages further violations.

In December, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he had received and would take action on the Report of the External Independent Review of the UN Response to Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the Central African Republic.

Over 10,000 UN peacekeepers in the CAR are tasked with stopping the violence between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian militias that erupted in late 2012.