Cablegate: Monuc Efforts to Prevent Tip and Sea Successful In

VZCZCXYZ0060
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKI #1133 1941529
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 131529Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4378

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001133

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR MARTIN GURCH IO/PSC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KPKO CG
SUBJECT: MONUC EFFORTS TO PREVENT TIP AND SEA SUCCESSFUL IN
DRC

REF: A. STATE 112531

B. 04 USUN NY 2490
C. 05 KIN 1484

1. (SBU) Summary: Per reftel A, Embassy Kinshasa reports
that incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse by MONUC
peacekeepers in the DRC are much reduced over previous years.
Local press articles decrying MONUC's TIP and SEA track
records have dropped sharply, indicating that MONUC is
perceived in popular opinion as having improved its record in
this regard. End summary.

2. (SBU) Beginning in May 2004, reports surfaced of sexual
misconduct by MONUC peacekeepers, civilian and military, in
the DRC (reftel B). In particular, the willing or coerced
(by promising food or money) sexual relations between MONUC
staff and Congolese women and girls were widely documented.
Reports contiued through September 2005, with the
investigation of ten Nigerian CivPol officers for sexual
misconduct (reftel C).

3. (SBU) However, since October 2005, there have been no
reports in the media or by human rights organizations within
the DRC of continued problems of sexual exploitation and
abuse by MONUC employees. Post believes this is entirely
attributable to a strict, zero-tolerance policy against
fraternization established by MONUC; the institution of
curfews, in selected locations, for MONUC staff; and
substantial time and effort, including the creation of a
specific office, directed toward educating MONUC staff about
SEA and TIP issues.

4. (SBU) Post has used local media sources, Voix de Sans
Voix (the most prominent human rights organization in the
country), and local contacts in provinces where MONUC
peacekeepers are stationed to assess MONUC effectiveness.
MEECE

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