Kinshasa, April 1st,  2016 - The United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today announced that it has received allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by members of the Tanzanian contingent of the Mission’s Force Intervention Brigade in Mavivi village, near Beni in the Eastern DRC.

Upon receipt of the allegations on 23 March, the mission immediately dispatched a Response Team, led by the Conduct and Discipline Unit to ascertain the facts. Initial results suggest that there is evidence of transactional sex and sex with minors. There are also a number of paternity claims. UNICEF and its partners are providing medical and psycho-social support to the victims. Further updated information will follow as it becomes available.

This information has been communicated to the Tanzanian authorities through the Permanent Mission in New York and to the DRC authorities on the ground.  In line with the Secretary General’s zero tolerance policy and UN Security Council Resolution 2272 (2016), these allegations are being immediately and thoroughly investigated and if substantiated, prompt action will be taken. The alleged perpetrators have been ordered to remain in their camp during the investigation.