Prosecuting U.N. Peacekeepers for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Central African Republic

Women and children living in armed conflict are amongst the most vulnerable populations at-risk of sexual and gender-based violence. When U.N. peacekeepers arrive to help dispel conflict; these populations believe that the soldiers in blue helmets will protect them. Instead; hundreds of women and children in the Central African Republic have reported being raped and sexually violated by U.N. peacekeepers. Despite compelling evidence to validate these claims; U.N. peacekeepers who commit these crimes are seldom held accountable. This Note discusses how to hold U.N. peacekeepers accountable for their human rights violations. This Note argues that troop-contributing countries should retain responsibility and jurisdiction over their military personnel sent on U.N. peacekeeping missions. This Note suggests that the United Nations should implement strict guidelines in Status of Force Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding for States Parties to follow when investigating and punishing peacekeeper misconduct. This Note concludes that failure to implement these guidelines should constitute a breach in state responsibility to exercise due diligence in preventing human rights abuses