UN Chief promises ‘Zero tolerance’ for sexual exploitation and abuse in South Sudan

By Awan Achiek, Juba-South Sudan

In his remarks on the International Day of the UN Peacekeepers commemorated in Juba on Friday under the theme “Youth – Leading the Path to Peace” Haysom vowed to build mutual trust and confidence between the mission and the communities in South Sudan.

“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) will ensure zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse by the UN staff in African’s youngest nation,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan on Friday.

“I reiterate the Mission’s zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. UNMISS has a good conduct and discipline record, but we expect only the highest standards in this regard,” he said on Friday.

The UN official expressed the mission’s readiness to help the world’s youngest nation achieve durable peace.

“We ourselves have many young peacekeepers – civilian and uniformed who are strongly committed to helping this country achieve durable peace,” he said.

He paid tribute to the 83 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives since the inception of the UN Mission in South Sudan.

“Today, we come together to honor the more than one million men and women who have served with courage and distinction as United Nations peacekeepers herein South Sudan and across the world,” he said.

“They have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. We honor and remember them as well as their families and friends who have lost a loved one while serving under the UN flag,” he added.

He appreciated the Government’s support for the work of the UN in South Sudan.