Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) perpetrated by UN peacekeepers has been a pressing issue since the 1990s. Throughout the years, the UN has been scrutinized for contributing to a culture of...Show moreSexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) perpetrated by UN peacekeepers has been a pressing issue since the 1990s. Throughout the years, the UN has been scrutinized for contributing to a culture of impunity, in which cases of SEA are not appropriately reported and investigated, and in which perpetrators do not receive adequate penalties. In 2017, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposed a “New Approach” that provided measures aimed at enhancing criminal accountability through strengthening reporting, investigation, and follow-up. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the “New Approach” has been successful in effectively setting an end to impunity of peacekeepers. Taking on a qualitative exploratory methodological approach, the puzzle is answered by analyzing the contents of the “New Approach”, and by comparing whether the proclaimed measures for enhancing accountability have been implemented in practice before 2018 and from 2018 on. I find that the “New Approach” is inherently flawed. While some provisions have been implemented that enhance criminal accountability, shortcomings in the reporting and investigation mechanisms remain. Especially, however, there are fundamental flaws in the prosecution mechanisms of substantiated SEA cases, as there are jurisdictional gaps within the UN system. These lead to an impossibility of achieving criminal accountability for all perpetrators. Thus, the ”New Approach” was ineffective in ending impunity of peacekeepers that commit SEA.Show less
