11 Oct 2023
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has taken immediate and robust action in response to reports of serious misconduct by UN peacekeepers.
Those reports follow a series of measures that the Mission has proactively initiated across its areas of deployment to ensure compliance with United Nations values and standards of conduct.
The Office of Internal Oversight Services has been seized of the matter and precautionary measures have already been initiated in line with the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of misconduct.
These initial measures include suspension from duty, detention, and confinement to quarters of concerned peacekeepers pending receipt of additional information on the allegations, including through the conduct of a full-fledged investigation.
The Mission strongly condemns such behaviours that are unbefitting of United Nations personnel. MONUSCO is committed to ensuring that all personnel comply with the highest standards of conduct and will continue its efforts on prevention and to support the rights and dignity of the victims.
