Uniting for Accountability of UN Troops

Abstract

For decades sexual abuse and exploitation of women and children by peacekeeping troops has haunted the UN. It has severely tarnished the reputation of the UN’s blue helmets as a force for good. The UN claims it is doing everything within its power to ensure the accountability of troops for any crimes they may commit. However, a review of the treaty practice of the UN tells a different story. This piece, in fact, shows how the UN likely contributed to impunity of troops by disposing itself of the international obligation to prevent it. It also explains how states that allow peacekeeping operations to deploy on their territory, so-called host states, could seize the initiative and reintroduce this obligation with minimal effort.