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Introduction and Justification for Research

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UN Peacekeeping in Africa

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Criminology ((BRIEFSCRIMINOL))

Abstract

In recent times, allegations of criminal conduct, while not pervasive, have been levelled against UN peacekeepers in Africa, and much of the world. There are a myriad of reasons on why peacekeepers become abusers. But finding justice for the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse and ensuring accountability for the UN peacekeepers who perpetrate such crimes continue to be elusive. Jurisdictional issues surrounding prosecution and punishment for alleged UN offenders have created a climate of impunity during peace operations. And the lack of universal legal codes of prosecution and the absence of a supranational enforcement mechanism further complicate the quest for such criminal behavior. This chapter provides a rationale for the study within the African context and maps out how subsequent chapters would address the unresolved conundrum of accountability initiatives for violations/abuses by UN peacekeepers.

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Akonor, K. (2017). Introduction and Justification for Research. In: UN Peacekeeping in Africa. SpringerBriefs in Criminology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39162-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39162-5_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-39160-1

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