'Even peacekeepers expect something in return': A qualitative analysis of sexual interactions between UN peacekeepers and female Haitians.

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  • Author(s): Vahedi L;Vahedi L; Bartels SA; Bartels SA; Bartels SA; Lee S; Lee S
  • Source:
    Global public health [Glob Public Health] 2021 May; Vol. 16 (5), pp. 692-705. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Dec 30.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Informa Healthcare Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101256323 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1744-1706 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17441692 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Glob Public Health Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: London : Informa Healthcare
      Original Publication: Abingdon, UK : Routledge, c2006-
    • Subject Terms:
      Sexual Behavior* ; United Nations*; Child ; Female ; Haiti ; Humans
    • Abstract:
      The UN maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual interactions between peacekeepers and beneficiaries of assistance. Our research describes the lived experience of engaging sexually with UN peacekeepers during Mission des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en Haiti (MINUSTAH) from the perspectives of Haitian women/girls. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Haitian women raising children fathered by MINUSTAH peacekeepers. Transcripts were analyzed according to empirical phenomenology.Adverse socio-economic conditions were key contextual factors. Three themes related to the nature of the sexual interactions emerged: sexual violence, transactional sex, and long-term transactional relationships imbedded in perceptions of love. Most sexual interactions were transactional and nuanced since the peacekeeper assumed the role of romantic and material provider. Sexual consent was conceptualised as the ability to weigh the benefits and consequences of engaging sexually with peacekeepers. Sexual violence was identified among minors and in instances of sexual abuse.This study provides empirical evidence to support a nuanced understanding of sexual relationships between women/girls and peacekeepers. In addition to holding peacekeepers accountable, a harm-reduction approach that aims to raise awareness for peacekeeping codes of conduct and provide comprehensive reproductive and sexual education should be considered.
    • Contributed Indexing:
      Keywords: Haiti; United Nations; peacekeeping; sexual abuse and exploitation; transactional sex
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20191231 Date Completed: 20211101 Latest Revision: 20211101
    • Publication Date:
      20240628
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/17441692.2019.1706758
    • Accession Number:
      31887070