I am appalled by the sickening allegations emerging from the Central African Republic. They mark a new and disturbing low. I urge the UN and Member States to investigate these claims urgently and thoroughly. The perpetrators must be held to account.

The Secretary-General is working hard to eliminate all instances of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers. We must all support his efforts, including through the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2272. I urge all Governments to take responsibility for the actions of the troops they deploy, and to work together to ensure the success of the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance approach.