UN: New Sexual Abuse Allegations in Central African Republic

The United Nations said Tuesday it is investigating new allegations that U.N. peacekeepers sexually abused four underage girls in the capital of Central African Republic.

Canadian judge Marie Deschamps (L), chair of the Independent Review Panel on U.N. Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Foreign Military Forces in the Central African Republic, is joined by panel member Hassan Jallow at a news conference at the United Nations on Dec. 17, 2015. The U.N.' "gross institutional failure" to act on allegations that French and other peacekeepers sexually abused children in the Central African Republic led to even more assaults, according to a new report released Thursday. AP Photo/Richard Drew

UNITED NATIONS—The United Nations said Tuesday it is investigating new allegations that U.N. peacekeepers sexually abused four underage girls in the capital of Central African Republic.

The investigation is looking into how many peacekeepers were involved, the spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general said. Stephane Dujarric did not say what countries the accused peacekeepers were from.

The U.N. is asking the countries to immediately investigate, as nations are responsible for holding their own troops accountable in such cases.

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