Gender Dynamics and Mission Accountability for Sexual Abuse in UN Peacekeeping

• In Event: Gender Dynamics and Rights Issues

Abstract

Research finds that when more women are involved in peacekeeping there is an overall decline in sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping missions. Does an increase in women peacekeepers also translate into increased punishment after abuse occurs? In this paper, I test whether the percentage of women peacekeepers impacts punishment from the UN and Troop Contributing Countries after abuse perpetrated by peacekeepers is reported, 2007-2019. I consider gender dynamics within the mission, international law and domestic law covering women's rights and gender based abuse, as well as other characteristics. I argue that the percentage of women peacekeepers has not yet reached a "critical mass" threshold to increase accountability for abuse, though women peacekeepers are seeking out other ways to mitigate human rights abuse within UN peacekeeping missions. Findings inform research on gender dynamics and peacekeeping as well as sexual violence, abuse, and rule of law in post-conflict settings.

Author

• Audrey Lynn Comstock, Arizona State University