Responsibility of the United Nations Under International Law

The United Nations (UN) has prime responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and since 1948 it has been authorising UN Peacekeeping Missions, which mandate to prevent conflict and maintain international peace and security. Despite their mandate to maintain international peace and security, including prevent human rights violations, some peacekeepers have violated their mandates by committing sexual exploitations and abuses against children and women. In 1993, the UN deployed MINUSTAH to prevent widespread conflict and maintain international peace and security as well as to prevent human rights violation and improve human rights condition in Haiti. Nevertheless, notwithstanding with their mandates, MINUSTAH forces have intentionally sexually exploited and abused women and children. The UN, as an international organization has legal personality, and consequently it confers international responsibility under international law. Accordingly, based on law governing responsibility of international organization, the UN as party that authorizes MINUSTAH presence in Haiti must bear responsibility and provide adequate remedies to the victims.