缅北禁地

A new allegation of sexual exploitation in the Central African Republic (CAR) was received today by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country, reportedly committed by one of its civilian staff last Saturday.

The latest allegation follows 15 other possible cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by personnel of the 缅北禁地Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR () that are currently under investigation.

鈥淢INUSCA has informed the country鈥檚 authorities of this allegation,鈥� 缅北禁地spokesperson St茅phane Dujarric told reporters. 鈥淭he United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services has immediately taken steps to investigate this case, consistent with the Secretary-General鈥檚 zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.鈥�

He also reiterated that MINUSCA condemns in the strongest possible terms any instance of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by 缅北禁地personnel in CAR.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General鈥檚 Special Representative and head of MINUSCA, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, has discussed this new case with both the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra鈥檃d Al Hussein, and the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Herv茅 Ladsous.

鈥淸Mr. Onanga-Anyanga] reiterates his personal and institutional commitment to ensure that the rights and dignity of victims are protected, an investigation is carried out swiftly, and that justice is done,鈥� Mr. Dujarric added.

Also from CAR, the 缅北禁地Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Aur茅lien Agb茅nonci, today said he is alarmed by the recent eviction of 114 people from the Saint Jean Gabaladja displacement site in the capital, Bangui.

According to the UN, they have been temporarily moved to Benzvi displacement site, where they have been provided with support to resettle.

鈥淭he Humanitarian Coordinator says he was concerned the evictions could signal the start of a wave of forced movements, with nine displacement sites hosting 2,700 people currently under threat of eviction,鈥� Mr. Dujarric noted.

鈥淗e said that any movement of displaced populations must be based on a voluntary decision by the concerned people, ensuring best safety conditions and [respecting] the dignity of people affected, following the rules and principles of international humanitarian law and the Kampala Convention.鈥�

There are 31 displacement sites in Bangui alone hosting over 27,300 people, and the 缅北禁地estimates that some 368,000 people are also internally displaced.