Zero tolerance against sexual abuse

Announcing a US$ 100,000 token contribution to the victim support fund of the UN secretary general's initiative to eradicate sexual violence and abuse, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh maintains a “zero-tolerance” approach to the allegations of sexual violence by UN peacekeepers.

“We believe the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse deserve justice and also opportunities for rehabilitation,” she said.

The prime minister was speaking at the high-level meeting on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) at Trusteeship Council Chamber of the UN Headquarters on Monday with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in the chair.

She also expressed Bangladesh's firm resolve to strengthen the UN chief's hands by providing timely support at all times over the issue.

Hasina further said, “As a major troop- and police-contributing country to the UN peacekeeping mission, Bangladesh attaches high importance to the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse.”

She said Bangladesh remains committed to the UN chief's noble initiative to eradicate sexual violence and abuse.

Hasina mentioned that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have consistently maintained a good image and credibility in almost all missions. “This was due to our strong moral values, effective motivation and high standard of discipline.”

She, however, said two allegations that Bangladesh received in all these years have been dealt with strongly. She said one accused proven guilty has been punished with dismissal from service and imprisonment.

The members under such allegations are immediately repatriated at his/ her own expenses, Hasina said, adding that his/ her UN allowances are also suspended until the investigation is completed.

She also mentioned that “Protection against SEA” has been made an integral part of Bangladesh's peacekeepers pre-deployment training. “Our contingent commanders have been empowered with legal and administrative authority to address any allegation of SEA. They can investigate and prosecute the allegations within the mission area.”

Hasina said the senior most peacekeeper in the mission area has the authority to take disciplinary actions against the Bangladeshi peacekeepers if they are charged with any criminal offence.

Recalling the heinous sexual violence unleashed by the Pakistani occupational forces against the Bangladeshi women during the 1971 Liberation War, the prime minister said Bangladesh had experienced worst form of sexual violence.

She mentioned that over 2,00,000 women were violated by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators.

Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took a bold initiative to acknowledge their contributions to the independence and recognised them as “Biranganas” (war heroes). “We've ensured justice by trying the perpetrators and the abettors of such heinous crimes through international crimes tribunal.”