UN peacekeeping Chief condemns sexual exploitation in CAR

A top UN peacekeeping official says the protection of and assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains the Organisation's top priority.

The Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Hervé Ladsous, who heads the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations who stated this added, ``I condemn the scourge of sexual exploitation in the CAR.’’

He reiterated proposals to establish martial courts in Situ.

Ladsous met with personnel from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) and, through video conference with staff from the field.

He firmly reminded military personnel commanders and police officers that they needed to be personally committed to countering sexual exploitation and abuse.

Speaking to reporters in Bangui, the UN peacekeeping chief stressed that it was the responsibility of police and troop contributing countries to provide well informed military, police staff personnel.

He said such personnel must have been sensitised, trained and fully aware that they would face sanctions if allegations were to be confirmed.

Ladsous has been in CAR since earlier in the week when he represented the Secretary-General at the inauguration ceremony of the newly-elected president of CAR, Faustin-Archange Touadera.