|
UNITED NATIONS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has outlined a new victim-centered approach to prevent and respond to such abuses committed by those serving under the UN flag.
"Certainly no person serving with the United Nations in any capacity should be associated with such vile and vicious crimes," said Guterres in a message announcing his report released Thursday on "Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: A New Approach."
"Let us declare in one voice: We will not tolerate anyone committing or condoning sexual exploitation and abuse. We will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the UN flag," he added.
Noting that exploitation is also deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination, Guterres said that promoting gender equality throughout the UN system, including its missions and peacekeeping forces, would help advance parity and at the same time decrease incidents of abuse.
"Let us do so in the name of all who look to the UN for life-saving protection and support, and on behalf of the tens of thousands of UN personnel around the world who deliver that assistance with courage and commitment to the highest ideals," he stressed.
The report also emphasizes the need to engage with UN member states and calls for a high-level meeting on sexual exploitation and abuses in 2017 on the margins of the general debate of the 72nd session of the General Assembly.
