French Pres taking soldier child abuse claims seriously

World Today

French president Francois Hollande has vowed to show no mercy over allegations that French peacekeeping soldiers in the Central African Republic sexually abused starving and homeless children. CCTV’s Clementine Logan filed this report.

Highlights:

  • France is investigating accusations that its soldiers in the Central African Republic sexually abused children they were sent to protect.
  • An initial United Nations investigation a year ago was kept secret until a leaked report on Wednesday pushed officials to publicly acknowledge the allegations.
  • Around 16 French soldiers are accused of abusing 10 boys, between eight and 15 years old, at M’Poko International Airport in Bangui, between December 2013 and June 2014.

French peacekeeping troops accused of sexual abuse in CAR

It’s a scandal that’s putting a stain on international peacekeeping. Claims that French peacekeepers sexual abused children who were displaced by conflict in the Central African Republic. Also of a UN worker under fire for leaking the information. CCTV’s Liling Tan has more from UN headquarters in New York.

Follow Liling Tan on Twitter @LilingTan