Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in UN Peacekeeping: An Analysis of Risk and Prevention Factors

While serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions, some peacekeepers sexually exploit and abuse the local population, a fact which erupted into a scandal published by many media outlets in 2005 and 2006. This book analyzes factors which may increase the risk of such behavior as well as measures the UN has taken which may have decreased the number of incidents. Using a mixed methods design, the book argues that previous analyses have been largely undertheorized—with the exception of gender theories—and turns to criminology to look at the phenomenon of so-called “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse” (SEA) in a new light. The three risk factors found to increase the likelihood of SEAs are an environment of sexual violence in the mission’s host country, the presence of internally displaced persons close to the mission, and a lack of supervised or regulated contact with the local population. In turn, the presence of an office whose purpose is to collect reports and investigate allegations, training on preventing SEAs for the incoming peacekeepers, and campaigns to empower the local population on these issues all seem to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse occurring. By using a statistical analysis followed by case studies of the UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and the Golan Heights, the author demonstrates the importance these factors have in the peacekeepers’ behavior on the mission, providing a solid basis upon which future policy recommendations can be made.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Boys Will Be Boys? Chapter 2: UN Peacekeeping Mission: An Overview Chapter 3: Issues Surrounding Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Chapter 4: Theorizing Crime and Misconduct in an Internationalized Setting Chapter 5: Choice of Methods Chapter 6: The Big Picture: Statistical Effects of Risk and Prevention Factors on SEAs Chapter 7: MONUC/MONUSCO: At the Center of International Attention Chapter 8: UNMIL: Making the Case for Education Chapter 9: UNDOF: The Counter-Example Chapter 10: Results of Risk and Prevention Factor Analysis

About the Author :
Kelly Neudorfer earned a PhD in social sciences from Tübingen University.

Review :
This is the book we have been waiting for! Neudorfer’s research shows us which factors contribute to an increase in sexual exploitation and abuse in UN peacekeeping missions, and more importantly, which factors and policies can and do prevent abuse. Essential reading for anyone interested in ensuring peacekeeping operations protect the people they are sent to aid. This research is the first of its kind that analyzes risk factors and the effectiveness of prevention efforts regarding sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in UN peacekeeping operations, by applying theories of criminology. It was able to confirm the relationship between several prevention measures and reduction of SEA allegations, and some areas that showed a potential link. The research sheds light on the unexplored area of risk and prevention of SEA, and provided useful practical clues not only for academics but also for the UN and States' policy makers, as well as for managers and commanders in the field in planning their operation.