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Sierra Leone: UN puts emphasis on troop conduct in wake of child abuse charges

Sierra Leone: UN puts emphasis on troop conduct in wake of child abuse charges

In the wake of recent allegations that some aid workers and peacekeepers were involved in sexual exploitation of children in refugee camps, a senior military officer of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has been conducting an ongoing “sensitization” tour of UN troop positions.

In the wake of recent allegations that some aid workers and peacekeepers were involved in sexual exploitation of children in refugee camps, a senior military officer of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has been conducting an ongoing “sensitization” tour of UN troop positions.

Earlier this week, UNAMSIL Acting Force Commander Maj. Gen. Martin L. Agwai visited Nigerian peacekeepers in Makeni and Bangladeshi battalions in the northern towns of Masingbi, Alikalia and Kabala.

In his talks on Tuesday with local UNAMSIL commanders, Gen. Agwai discussed ways of curbing misconduct among peacekeepers and ensuring strict adherence to the UN code of conduct. He also emphasized that the Force Headquarters would deal decisively with any case of wrongdoing by soldiers.

While in the northern towns, the Acting Force Commander also took the opportunity to review the security situation within UNAMSIL’s areas of responsibility and the state of readiness of its troops as the country prepares for the 14 May presidential and parliamentary elections.