Georgian UN peacekeepers accused in child sex-abuse scandal
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 January 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgian UN peacekeepers accused in child sex-abuse scandal, 29 January 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56c42976c.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 29, 2016
Georgian UN peacekeepers are among those accused of sexually abusing children in Africa.
The United Nations said allegations have emerged that peacekeepers from Georgia, as well as France and another unnamed country, sexually abused children while deployed in the Central African Republic.
In a statement on January 29, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said the "extremely serious accusations" needed to be investigated "thoroughly and urgently."
The UN said the alleged crimes, including rapes, mostly committed in 2014, only came to light in recent weeks.
The national authorities concerned, as well as the European Union, the UN added, have been informed and are investigating.
Some 150 Georgian soldiers were deployed in the African nation between February 2014 to March 2015.
Georgia's Defense Ministry said it received the allegations "with great concern," adding that "it is our goal to investigate this matter in great detail and in case such grave crimes are proven, perpetrators of such crimes will be brought to justice."
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
