The United Nations is seeking urgent support for children born as a result of misconduct by personnel serving under its organisation in countries where peacekeeping was done.
The United Nations Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy, and Compliance, Catherine Pollard, said laws guiding UN personnel during peace operations forbid them from exchanging food, money, and other favours for sex, though the misconduct continues to happen.
She hinted that in some instances, children are conceived and abandoned in the conflict zones where their fathers were serving.
Since 2006, the UN has received over 700 paternity and child support claims involving peace operations personnel.
Credit: UN Photos
Pollard added that ninety-five per cent of these cases implicate military or police personnel provided by UN member states to serve under the UN’s banner and urged member states to address these claims, which are their responsibility.
However, more than 70 per cent remain unresolved, leaving 500 children without essential legal recognition and financial support.
Some member states are said to be actively working to resolve claims despite the complexities of navigating multiple legal systems, national jurisdictions, and socio-economic contexts.
They are identifying fathers and guiding mothers on how to file claims in their respective countries. Some have even established national paternity focal points to facilitate DNA testing and assist mothers with access to pro bono legal representation and court fee assistance.
However, these proactive efforts remain in the minority. In many instances, responses from member states are slow, and in some cases, they do not respond at all.
Pollard said the UN is striving to support victims of sexual misconduct in their pursuit of justice and accountability.
It helps facilitate contact with officials in the country where claims are filed and can provide assistance with legal fees. If the father is a UN civilian staff member, the organisation enforces court orders and deducts salaries to ensure parental obligations are met.
Additionally, the UN’s Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse has helped mothers engage in income-generating activities and cover their child’s school fees and uniforms.
The UN is also taking steps to help member states expedite case resolutions by facilitating DNA collection and cross-border child-support payments.
