The UN Peacekeeper Sexual Abuse Crisis: Is Canada Doing Enough?

Description

The Trudeau government has repeatedly proclaimed that “Canada is back” in global affairs. In its public efforts to recommit to United Nations peace operations, Canada launched an initiative to increase the number of women participating in peace operations and deployed some 250 troops to the UN’s stabilization mission in Mali. While UN peacekeeping missions have made important contributions to maintaining peace and preventing conflict in recent years, the UN’s efforts have also been marred by sexual abuse scandals—exposing a startling accountability gap.

AIDS-Free World’s Code Blue Campaign is leading an effort to end impunity for sexual abuse by UN personnel. For its part, Canada has pledged to take action to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse, including through its second National Action Plan to implement the UN Security Council’s resolution on Women, Peace and Security.

But is Canada doing enough? Framed by Canada’s feminist foreign policy and an intensified focus on ending sexual violence in the #MeToo era, panellists will critically assess Canada’s current approach. What actions should Canada take to strengthen accountability for sexual violence in the aid sector?

3:10-3:15 – Opening remarks

3:15-4:00 – Panel Discussion

4:00-4:45 – Q & A

4:45-6:00 – Reception