UN peacekeepers in Haiti sexually abused children - Over 300 allegations under investigation

One victim recalls receiving 75 cents in exchange for sex before she was old enough to 'have breasts.'

An AP investigation revealed peacekeepers sexually exploited children as young as 12-years-old in Haiti.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The AP investigation revealed victim testimonies and revealed over 300 allegations of sexual abuse with children.

There were nearly 2,000 allegations in total against "peacekeepers" around the world in the past twelve years.

According to an international UN report, many of the allegations were from Haiti, where 134 Sri Lankan peacekeepers operated a sex ring for three years between 2004 and '07.

This ring involved adults and nine children.

Other countries with large numbers of incidents include Bangladesh, Brazil, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan and Uruguay.

Many reported abusers used food or many to coerce their victims into performing sexual acts, with some cases stating the abuse took place in UN branded vehicles.

In poorer countries, such as Haiti, children were willing to engage in the sexual activities to stave off the hunger pains deep in their bellies.

A young girl identified simply as Victim 1, told AP, "I did not even have breasts" but was still desired by many peacekeepers. She slept with nearly 50 over three years, including a "Commandant" who gave her 75 cents.

She and other young victims, both male and female, often met with peacekeepers to perform sexual acts in exchange for food.

Many of the young men and women were raped, some at gunpoint, and were too frightened to report the acts.

Women were often left pregnant and either told to abort or were left forgotten as their attackers moved on to other targets.

Many of the women who were left pregnant filed for child support, but most never receive compensation.

Atul Khare, the head of the UN department responsible for peacekeeper discipline and conduct, was well aware of the thousands of reported incidents.

The organization is currently working with member states to hold abusers accountable.

Khare stated: "We believe we are advancing in the right direction, especially with the secretary-general's new approach. Improving the assistance provided to victims, who are at the heart of our response, is fundamental."

Haitian lawyer Mario Joseph is also working to bring peacekeepers to justice. Many spread cholera, killing an estimated 10,000 people, and others left Haitian women pregnant and alone.

"Imagine if the UN was going to the United States and raping children and bringing cholera," Joseph stated. "Human rights aren't just for rich white people."

Joseph is attempting to get compensation for the victims of the cholera peacekeepers spread and child support for the single mothers left behind.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, continues to call for UN reforms to help the victims of peacekeepers and hold them accountable for their actions.

Historically, UN officials and investigators have contacted various nations, who are legally responsible for the discipline of their own peacekeepers, but very few have been held accountable. The names of those peacekeepers who were allegedly punished for their crimes were not released by those nations, making it nearly impossible to determine whether they have really been punished for their actions or if there were no consequences at all.

Melida Joseph, a 21-year-old girl, was raped by a peacemaker and barely escaped a gang-rape in a seaside slum.

She stated: "I'd like to see my attacker face to face and tell him how he has destroyed my life. They'll look at this as one big joke. As far as the UN goes, they came here to protect us, but all they've brought is destruction."

Meanwhile, Khare insists his departments wants to ensure "justice [has] been served for the victims of these horrendous acts."

He explained: "I would not say we have achieved everything we set out to do, but we are engaged in a process of continuous improvement that any harmful effect on the local populations could be minimized, if not completely eradicated."

Whether his department will actually put an end to the sexual exploitation and abuse remains to be seen. Perhaps with more outrage from other nations and evidence of the destruction the so-called "peacekeepers" brought with them, the demands for justice will be heard.

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