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The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s handbook on the prevention of trafficking in persons contains this chapter on the “conduct of peacekeepers and other law enforcement personnel”. It states,
“The United Nations is stepping up efforts to address the issue of trafficking and related prostitution in post-conflict zones and recognizes that it must play a key role in combating this crime as it relates to allegations and incidents involving its peacekeeping personnel.
--Peacekeepers have a duty to uphold and respect the rights of all members of the host population, particularly women and children, who may be at greater risk of sexual abuse and exploitation. Sexual activity of peacekeeping personnel with anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited, regardless of consent.
--Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of local populations, including refugees and beneficiaries of assistance, are prohibited. Exchanging money, shelter, food or other goods for sex or sexual favours is sexual exploitation.
--The use of prostitutes by United Nations personnel in mission areas constitutes exploitation and is prohibited. Even where prostitution is not a crime, the purchase of sexual services by United Nations peacekeeping personnel constitutes an act of sexual exploitation.
--All members of peacekeeping operations are prohibited from visiting or purchasing sex at off-limit locations such as bars, nightclubs, brothels or hotels where sexual exploitation and abuse in the form of prostitution are present. The presence of a member of a peacekeeping operation in an off-limit location constitutes support for sexual exploitation and contributes to the profits of organized crime.
The establishment of off-limits locations in mission areas is the responsibility of the head of mission. Managers at all levels are obliged to create an environment that prevents sexual abuse and have a responsibility to support and develop systems that maintain this environment.
Non-compliance with directions concerning off-limits locations constitutes misconduct.”
