MONUC EFFORTS TO PREVENT TIP AND SEA SUCCESSFUL IN

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