The recent findings on the failure of United Nations peacekeepers to carry out their role in DR Congo is alarming as much as disappointing. The manner with which this will be handled will determine not only how the UN deals with similar situations in the future, but also how it maintains its reputation as an effective organisation.
A senior UN official has recently said that UN peacekeepers have ‘failed' the victims of mass rape in eastern DR Congo. There has been systematic rape by armed rebels earlier this year which was far worse than feared, according to a testimony given by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Atul Khare to the Security Council. Up to 500 women and children are now believed to have fallen victims — which is more than double the previously reported figure.
He further called for the prosecution of Rwandan and Congolese rebels who are being blamed for many of these attacks. "At the same time a concerted response from the government, from the international community is needed to maintain pressure on the perpetrators of these rapes and to bring them to justice", he said.
What makes this incident disturbing is the fact that the rapes had taken place in a village not far from a UN peacekeepers' camp. "While the primary responsibility for protection of civilians lies with the state, its national army and police force, clearly, we have also failed. Our actions were not adequate, resulting in unacceptable brutalisation of the population of the villages in the area. We must do better", said Khare. The UN has put together a draft report following an investigation into the matter.
Needless to say, that the issue at hand is serious and should be treated as such. Hence, transparency in reporting it is as important as bringing the perpetrators to justice.
