Part I of this Note focuses on the issue of sexual exploitation by peacekeepers. It discusses the history of the allegations against the UN Peacekeepers on missions and it explores the fight against sexual exploitation by the UN through the different avenues utilized. This chapter also discusses the consequences of these crimes, such as the large number of “peacekeeper babies” that face discrimination and have a lack of support.
Part II focusses on women in peacekeeping. It explores the history of women in peacekeeping and the current status quo. It also explores the reasons for the low number of women deployed on peacekeeping missions and the United Nations’ attempt to increase women’s participation.
Part III discusses women in peacekeeping as a means to combat sexual exploitation by peacekeepers while on peacekeeping missions. This chapter discusses the benefts of women in peacekeeping, such as added skillsets and being better at dealing with potentially violent situations. It also critiques viewing women as a “quick fix” to the issue of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, for although women may better the situation, the onus must still be on the perpetrators of the crime. This chapter also explores the victims rights approach that the UN has adopted for dealing with these issues, which focuses on the needs of the victims more, rather than solely focusing on the perpetrators.