abuse

UN official visits Guinea, Sierra Leone to probe claims of refugee camp child abuse

8 March 2002
A senior United Nations refugee official looking into allegations of sexual exploitation by aid workers in West Africa wrapped up his visit to Guinea today, reporting wide support for ongoing relief efforts by humanitarian agencies in the country's refugee camps.

Senior UNHCR official to visit West Africa in wake of child abuse allegations

5 March 2002
A senior official from UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, set out today on a visit to West Africa to get a first-hand view of efforts to strengthen the protection of children in the region’s refugee camps following allegations that surfaced last week that aid workers exchanged humanitarian assistance for sexual favours.
Ruud Lubbers

Head of UN refugee agency denounces child abuse in camps

1 March 2002
Distressed by reports of child abuse occurring in West African refugee camps, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers, announced that remedial measures are being put in place to address the problem. UNHCR is participating in the UN investigation into the allegations.
Olara Otunnu

Possible exploitation of refugee children denounced by UN envoy

1 March 2002
The United Nations special envoy for children and armed conflict, Olara Otunnu, today added his voice to those who have denounced alleged sexual abuse of children in refugee camps in West Africa.

Sierra Leone: UN mission disturbed by report of child abuse in refugee camps

28 February 2002
Expressing grave concern about a recent report of widespread abuse of children in West African refugee camps, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) today said that protection of children’s rights was a top priority for UN peacekeepers.

Annan, UNICEF shocked at reports of child abuse in West Africa refugee camps

27 February 2002
The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the head of UNICEF, the UN’s children agency, voiced their outrage today at reports of possible widespread sexual abuse of children in West African refugee camps.