UN Security Council decries sex abuse by peacekeepers

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Security Council yesterday condemned for the first time sexual abuse by peacekeepers after being told members of the United Nations ignored such exploitation for decades, fearing exposure of their own soldiers' wrongdoing.

The United Nations has accused peacekeepers and civilian staff in the Democratic Republic of Congo of rape, pedophilia, and enticing hungry children with food or money in exchange for sex. Sexual abuse on a smaller scale was discovered in other missions.

A US-drafted statement read at a formal meeting urged all nations to adopt recent proposals by a UN inquiry to end and prevent sexual abuse. But it says the countries contributing troops have the primary responsibility for the conduct of their soldiers.

''The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms all acts of sexual abuse and exploitation committed by UN peacekeeping personnel," the council's statement said. ''The distinguished and honorable record of accomplishment in UN peacekeeping is being tarnished by the acts of a few."

Since December 117 soldiers, 32 civilians, and three UN police officers have been investigated. Five UN staff members have been dismissed, nine more are undergoing a disciplinary process, and four have been cleared, said JeanMarie Guehenno, UN undersecretary general for peacekeeping.