Regulation of Sexual Conduct in UN Peacekeeping Operations

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxii

   PDF

2. Sexual Conduct and Peacekeeping

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 1-12

3. UN Peacekeeping Operations: The Emerging Problem of Sexual Exploitation

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 13-38

4. The Secretary-General’s Bulletin: Evolution and Reception

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 39-77

5. Research Background, Aims and Methods

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 79-107

6. Sexual Relationships in UN Peacekeeping Operations

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 109-144

7. Sexual Exploitation and Prostitution in UN Peacekeeping Operations

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 145-163

8. Rethinking ‘Sexual Exploitation’ in UN Peacekeeping Operations

   • Olivera Simic

   Pages 165-173

9. Back Matter

   Pages 175-191

   PDF

This book critically examines the response of the United Nations (UN) to the problem of sexual exploitation in UN Peace Support Operations. It assesses the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Special Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (2003) (SGB) and its definition of sexual exploitation, which includes sexual relationships and prostitution. With reference to people affected by the policy (using the example of Bosnian women and UN peacekeepers), and taking account of both radical and ‘sex positive’ feminist perspectives, the book finds that the inclusion of consensual sexual relationships and prostitution in the definition of sexual exploitation is not tenable. The book argues that the SGB is overprotective, relies on negative gender and imperial stereotypes, and is out of step with international human rights norms and gender equality. It concludes that the SGB must be revised in consultation with those affected by it, namely local women and peacekeepers, and must fully respect their human rights and freedoms, particularly the right to privacy and sexuality rights.

• Feminist Theory
• Sexual Exploitation
• Sexual Relationships
• UN Peacekeeping
• Zero Tolerance

• , Law School, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia

  Olivera Simic

Policies and ethics