SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2272—S/RES/2272 (2016)

WHEREAS, the United Nations Staff Union has consistently advocated for reform among United Nations peacekeeping forces accused of sexual exploitation and human rights abuses during the course of their deployment; and

WHEREAS, within the U.N. itself, investigations into these horrific abuses have often been delayed or sidetracked; and

WHEREAS, inaction to hold perpetrators accountable has been described by a U.N. internal investigation panel as “gross institutional failure”; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2016, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 2272, which, among other issues, addresses sexual and human rights abuses by peacekeeping troops; and

WHEREAS, the resolution sends a clear message that “Blue Helmets,” police officers, civilian personnel and international forces must do more to reduce the number of abuse cases to zero:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will stand in support of U.N. Security Council resolution 2272 and its goal to implement and reinforce a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and human rights abuses by U.N. troops and member states’ troops; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to monitor this issue and continue to advocate for compliance by the United Nations and member states to conduct thorough and independent investigations of allegations, hold perpetrators accountable, and assist with victims’ care and support; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support efforts by the U.N. and all other troop- and police-contributing countries, including the U.S., to deliver strong pre-deployment training on sexual exploitation and abuse to help prevent future abuses; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will communicate its support for these reforms to the United Nations and the U.S. State Department; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will hold this issue to be of the highest importance to the credibility of the mission of the United Nations, but recognizes the criminal actions of a few must not overshadow the work of other peacekeepers and civil servants whose often-dangerous and heroic work we recognize and honor.