21 August 2008
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has released its quarterly report and account on sexual exploitations and abuse covering the period between January and June 2008, saying that the incidents of SEA have diminished considerably during this period.
Announcing details of the report on SEA Wednesday during the mission's weekly press conference held at its Headquarters, the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Madam Ellen Margaret Loj says explained how she takes the issue of SEA very seriously, adding "That's why I had insisted on abuse here in Liberia personally".
Mrs. Loj said they in UNMIL together with their partners are committed to ensuring that the good work of the majority is not eclipsed by incidents of misconduct, particularly sexual misconduct involving the mission's personnel.
UNMIL releases quarterly report on its activities such as rule of law, SEA, and other important national imperatives.
During the period under the review, she said number of allegations on SEA has decreased as compared to the same period of last year. It may be recalled that SEA hit high record last year when the report was released.
However, Mrs. Loj told journalists that five allegations on sexual exploitation and abuse involving UNMIL personnel were reported during the first half of 2008 as compared to nine reported in the period of July and December 2007.
While she may be basking in pride for the drop in this sexual and behavioral misconduct, the head of UNMIL however noted: "Is feel strongly that even one allegation, or by welcoming the notion that the number of allegations reported have come down; I am also seriously concerned about the possibility of underreporting".
PUBLIC SERVICE
Mrs. Loj emphasized that she will never get tired of doing what the United Nations stands against: a serious policy of tolerance on sexual exploitations and abuse. She added that the mission does not condone or tolerate those behaviors in any form of shape.
She intimated that all allegations on SEA are promptly and professionally investigated and decisive actions are taken when allegations are verified.
The UNMIL boss stressed that UNMIL will continue to work on three major parts to tackle and to find collective solutions to the challenge, and that the mission will continue to sensitize people on the community level on sexual exploitations and abuse.
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Isn't the sexual impropriety by UN Peacekeepers and not Liberians themselves?
So, what are you saying?
Your level of sexual misconduct is directly proportianate to the level of hiv/aids in your country