Briefing the General Assembly on the challenges being faced and progress being made to end the exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers, senior UN officials today indicated that immediate concerns have been focused on providing protection and support to the victims, and reiterated the need for collective efforts to put stronger measures in place to ensure prevention and greater accountability.

The top United Nations peacekeeping official has underscored that the protection of and assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic remains the Organization's top priority.

In an opinion piece published today by Newsweek, the head of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) addressed how the Organization is countering child sex abuse by its troops.

The United Nations has reported that a delegation led by the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for the Central African Republic visited Kemo prefecture to gather more information on new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as to engage with local communities and authorities.