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Member of UN mission in DR of Congo accused of sexual abuse sent home for trial

Member of UN mission in DR of Congo accused of sexual abuse sent home for trial

One member of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accused of sexual abuse is being repatriated early and will be prosecuted by his national authorities, the UN spokesman said today.

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) had sent investigators to probe allegations into the behaviour of military and non-military personnel with the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) in Bunia and more investigators were expected to arrive next week. "So far about 30 cases are being investigated," spokesman Fred Eckhard said at the daily press briefing in New York.

"The investigation into one case of alleged abuse has already been completed and the person found responsible is being disciplined by early repatriation and prosecution follow-up by his national authorities," he added, without identifying the perpetrator.

Earlier this month, Mr. Eckhard said MONUC was determined to enforce Secretary-General Kofi Annan's policy of zero tolerance of any sexual misconduct, in accordance with his bulletin of last October on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.