Samenvatting

The following research aims to determine feasible and effective recommendations on how to improve the United Nations zero-tolerance policy with respect to sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel. The UN has pursued a zero-tolerance policy since 2003, which means that any sexual contact between UN personnel and a citizen is prohibited. Still, 1057 allegations of sexual abuse by UN personnel on peacekeeping missions have been reported since 2007 to this day (United Nations Conduct in UN Field Missions, 2020). Therefore, the primary assumption of this study is that the current policy is not effective and needs improvement.
To provide suggestions for improving the United Nations' zero tolerance policy, research is conducted through qualitative desk research and semi-structured interviews.
After examining secondary and primary sources, the following factors are identified that contribute to the problem of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel: personal contact between a soldier and a civilian, the 'madness of war', the macho culture in a UN peace mission, the poverty in the host country, the conflict situation with a collapse of institutions, the cultural background of UN personnel on gender inequality, the global differences between the legality of prostitution and sexual adulthood and impunity.
Furthermore, together with desk research, the results of the interviews provide a detailed analysis of the UN approach to tackling sexual exploitation and abuse and the shortcomings of this policy. Thereafter, the study establishes the reasons for the impunity within the UN, citing complications of the investigation process and prosecutions, the immunities UN personnel holds and the underreporting of sexual exploitation and abuse cases. All these things considered, both the literature study and interviews present various policy recommendations. A division is made between preventive, representative and protective recommendations, and are further tested for feasibility and efficiency.
After the analysis of the suggested policies, the conclusion is made. Certain policy recommendations are feasible and will help to reduce the number of sexual crimes committed by UN personnel: improve working conditions for UN personnel, prosecute perpetrators, assist victims and an impartial court mechanism.