On 7 September 2016, the President of the UN General Assembly held a meeting in response to recent allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by UN peacekeepers. Ambassador Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations, emphasized at the meeting that Hungary supports the UN’s zero tolerance policy on all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The formal meeting of the General Assembly was initiated by a group of countries who are major troop and police contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. The troop contributing countries highlighted the vital role that UN peacekeepers play in global peace and security. Nevertheless, this reputation is being tarnished by the acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by some individuals. The major troop contributing countries therefore propose the adoption of a comprehensive resolution by the UN General Assembly to address this serious issue.
In her statement, Ambassador Bogyay expressed strong concerns about the serious and continuous allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers. These acts are unacceptable under any circumstances, and all measures have to be taken against them. Hungary fully supports the United Nations zero tolerance policy on all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. In order to achieve this goal, the international community must focus on three pillars of actions: prevention, proper investigation of allegations, and accountability of all perpetrators. Ambassador Bogyay added that it is now imperative that the international community lives up to its political commitment by concrete and measurable actions. She finished her statement by commending UN peacekeepers’ efforts to bring peace in conflict areas around the world.
To read the full statement of the Ambassador, please click here.
