Leiden University Student Repository

Vassort, Ines (2025)

Understanding the persistence of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN Peacekeepers in mission: a study of MINUSCA and MONUSCO (2015-2017)

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This thesis seeks to understand the persistence of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by UN peacekeepers despite the resolutions and reforms adopted to prevent such acts. Focusing on the MINUSCA and MONUSCO missions between 2015 and 2017, it explores the gap between the UN’s normative framework and the realities on the ground. Using a qualitative comparative analysis based on UN documents, reports, and victims’ testimonies, the research identifies recurring causes for the persistence of SEA, namely power imbalances, harmful cultural and social norms, and the perceived low cost from perpetrators due to social acceptance or ignorance. The findings show that the persistence of SEA is due to the interaction of these structural and contextual factors, and that without stronger accountability measures and cultural change within peacekeeping organizations, the UN’s zero-tolerance policy will not be fully achieved.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

UN Peacekeepers

MINUSCA

MONUSCO

the UN

Author

Vassort, Ines

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Conflict in the modern Era

Supervisors

Regilme, S.
Duyvesteyn, I.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en