United nation peacekeepers raping blacks?
Posted by africanpress on November 30, 2006
Children have been subjected to rape and prostitution by some United Nations peacekeepers in Haiti and Liberia, a BBC investigation has uncovered.
In a program to be televised, we see yet again the continued misuse of money and resources to undisciplined “soldiers”.
These ” peacekeepers”, even with sufficient medical evidence, and witnesses seem to get away with the crimes.
A senior official with the organization has confirmed the claims.
Telling the BBC, Sarah Martin has said that, the violations are not only committed by military personnel. Civilian humanitarian workers have also been accused for committing violations.
“To prey upon the very populations that you are sent to protect is one of the worst forms of violation and betrayal.”
Under UN regulations, military personnel cannot be prosecuted in the country where they are serving, and it is up to the courts in their home countries to prosecute crimes committed.
Young girls of 11 yrs have confirmed regular meetings with soldiers who ask for sexual favours in exchange for food and water, something that must be condemned because peacekeepers are supposed to be exemplary.
It is reported that an 11 yr old black girl from haiti has told the media of sexual activities near and aroundthe presidential palace in Port-au-Prince.
Another 14 year old, has horrifying story to tell. The abuse she went through took placeinside a marine base 2 years ago.
The culprits must be punished. It seems the international community has turned a blind eye because those being abused are Africans.
It is just like the soldiers who went to liberate the Iraqis but ended up molesting the prisoners and it took time before the international community reacted.
Can you imagine what would happen in this scenario if ”purely African peacekeepers” raped 11 yr old Norwegian girl outside the Kings palace”? Think what reaction and condemnation that would follow.
At present reportedly over 10 000 UN peacekeepers workingin southern Sudan, costing the international community almost one billion dollars. The hope is that they do not do what has happened in Haiti.
By Ira Ndunda, African Press in Norway, APN
