The Police Administration has also requested the UN to allow it to send a three-man team to also look into the claims.

In a statement released after news of the allegations broke, the Police Administration conveyed “its fullest cooperation and support to investigate the alleged sexual exploitation and abuse case.”

The statement added that “the Police Administration has requested the UN to permit a three-member team to be immediately deployed into the mission area for a better understanding of the incident.”

The unit in question alleged to have engaged in the sexual misconduct has also been recalled, according to a statement from the UN Mission.

The UN started an investigation into the conduct of the officers after reports that they were having transactional sex with women living at one of the protection camps, with gifts or favours given in exchange for the encounters.

Some UN peacekeeping efforts have come under fire over reports of similar acts of sexual misconduct.

In the last quarter of 2017, the UN revealed that it had received 40 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse were made against United Nations peacekeeping missions, agencies, funds and programs and implementing partners.

Of the 40 accusations, 15 were reported from peacekeeping operations, 17 came from UN agencies, funds and programs, while eight were reported by implementing partners.

Find below the full police statement

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Sexual misconduct by peacekeepers: We’ll cooperate with UN probe – Police appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The unit in question has also been recalled, according to a statement from the UN Mission.

The investigation into the conduct of the officers began after reports that they were having transactional sex with women living at one of the protection camps, with gifts or favours given in exchange for the encounters.

“On 8 February, a complaint was received alleging that members of the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit (FPU) were engaging in sexual activity with women living at the UN Protection of Civilians site in Wau. An investigation was immediately launched by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), an independent office within the United Nations.”

“The information received indicates that some members of the FPU allegedly engaged in transactional sex. This is a clear breach of the UN and UNMISS Code of Conduct which prohibits sexual relationships with vulnerable individuals, including all beneficiaries of assistance,” the statement outlined.

However, the statement was keen to note that allegations brought against the Ghanaian peacekeepers in question were not reflective of the whole contingent of Ghanaian peacekeepers.

“On the whole, Ghanaian peacekeepers and police serving with UNMISS have made an excellent contribution to the protection of civilians and building of durable peace in South Sudan. It is very disappointing that the behaviour of some police officers risks staining that record of service as well as the Mission’s reputation.”

Find below the full statement

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has recalled a unit of police officers from Wau and confined them to base after a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation.

UNMISS has a zero tolerance, no excuses, and no second chances approach to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). Our priority is to put the victims’ rights and dignity first and ensure that there is transparency and accountability for such actions.

That is why the Mission has taken immediate action to protect and support potential victims and witnesses in this case while a full investigation is carried out.

On 8 February, a complaint was received alleging that members of the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit (FPU) were engaging in sexual activity with women living at the UN Protection of Civilians site in Wau. An investigation was immediately launched by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), an independent office within the United Nations.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer, and other Mission leaders, were briefed on the preliminary investigation on the morning of 22 February. An immediate decision was made to remove the 46-member police unit from their duty stations inside the POC that afternoon. The unit was fully withdrawn from the Wau base to Juba over the next two days.

The information received indicates that some members of the FPU allegedly engaged in transactional sex. This is a clear breach of the UN and UNMISS Code of Conduct which prohibits sexual relationships with vulnerable individuals, including all beneficiaries of assistance.

UNMISS has informed UN headquarters in New York of the allegations, which in turn notified the Member State that the matter was being investigated by the United Nations. There is no indication that this behaviour is more widespread within the Mission.

UNMISS has over 17,000 peacekeeping personnel including 13,000 soldiers and 1500 police who carry out the Mission’s mandate to build durable peace and protect civilians in South Sudan where there has been widespread conflict. Any act of SEA undermines the critical work of the Mission and compromises its credibility with the people of South Sudan. It cannot and will not be tolerated.

All UNMISS personnel are in no doubt of the prohibition on SEA. All uniformed personnel are required to participate in SEA training at induction as well as within two weeks of deployment. Personnel have been given “no excuse” SEA cards to carry with them at all times, there are conduct and discipline focal points in each field location, daily SEA broadcasts are issued, and warnings are issued in speeches given by Mission leaders at all events.

On the whole, Ghanaian peacekeepers and police serving with UNMISS have made an excellent contribution to the protection of civilians and building of durable peace in South Sudan. It is very disappointing that the behaviour of some police officers risks staining that record of service as well as the Mission’s reputation.

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post UN probing Ghanaian peacekeepers over alleged sexual exploitation appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The judge dismissed Nassar’s statement as insincere as he attempted to apologise to the court.

Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault against girls and young women, including Olympians.

Judge Rosemarie Aqualina told Nassar during the sentencing he will “be in darkness the rest of his life”.

“As much as it was my honour and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it was my honour and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again,” she said.

“You have not owned yet what you did. I wouldn’t send my dogs to you, sir,” she told the former doctor, adding: “I’ve just signed your death warrant”.

He had already been sentenced to 60 years for possession of child pornography, before pleading guilty to 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Following seven days of emotional testimony from Nassar’s victims, he was given an opportunity to address the court.

“What I am feeling pales in comparison to the pain, trauma, and emotional destruction that all of you are feeling,” he told the packed courtroom.

“There are no words to describe the depth and breadth of how sorry I am for what has occurred,” he added.

–

Source: BBC

The post Disgraced US Olympics doctor jailed for 175 years appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the mother, Afiba, the Police negotiated a fine instead of pursuing a jail term for the suspect, who bruised her daughter’s vagina by inserting his finger into her private part under the guise of teaching her how to swim.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Rsny85rfUwJl0udGz5ivyFtaTWa8RO1I”]The two Indian nationals were swimming in the pool where she had also come to swim.

She said the Indians requested to teach the children how to swim, adding that although she initially hesitated, she agreed after the strangers convinced her that learning to swim early was the best way.

While the Indians supposedly taught her daughter how to swim, she filmed the process with her smartphone.

She recalled that in between the session, she noticed her daughter was crying, but she misinterpreted it as a reaction to the fear of being in the pool.

Unawares to her, the Indian, was sexually abusing her, and the cries, were cries for help.

One of the Indians held the little girl closely to his chest with his right hand while inserting a left finger into her vagina.

The doctor who conducted medical examinations on the 3-year-old girl said her genitals were bruised.

“She had sores around her genitals, around the vagina and the hymen had sores around it,” the doctor said.

Of the psychological state of the girl and Afiba, he said they were traumatized.

According to Afiba, she returned to the Tarkwa Police after an initial report to them with the medical report.

She said she also hired a private detective to help track down the Indian molester who she had captured in a video on her phone.

Her attempts to get the Tarkwa Police to follow up on the issue proved futile, forcing her to fall on the Nsuta Police to effect his arrest.

Her confidence in the police began to shrink after their suspicious conduct with the bosses of the Indian suspect.

Out of court settlement’

According to Afiba, who spoke to Citi News’ Caleb Kudah, in the course of pursuing the matter, the Indian suspect sought an out of court settlement but soon changed his mind, saying he was ready to face the court.

“Later they came to see me that we should sort things out which I was very reluctant to do. They were giving me pressure but I wanted justice to be served. They pleaded several times but last week Friday, the guy called me that now he doesn’t want us to discuss anything and that he wants us to take it to court and I said okay, and that is even what I wanted and I’m not interested in compensation,” Afiba said.

‘Don’t jail him’

To further hurt her heart, Afiba lamented how the police prosecutor impressed on the judge that presided over the matter in court to fine the suspect rather than jail him.

She said she was forced to bitterly watch the police negotiate the compensation from an initial GHS8,400 suggested by the judge, to GHS4,200.

“On Monday, on our way to the court, the Police turned and started blaming me, questioning me that why should I even take my daughter to the poolside… They said because it was a case relating to a child, we had to do it in the judges’ chamber so I agreed. In the Chamber, in less than 10 minutes, I don’t know whether the judge was pre-informed, but the judge after watching the video, then asked the suspect if he agrees he did it and he said yes, he was guilty so initially he [the judge] said he will sentence him and that they should bring the sentence book. The  Police pleaded on his behalf that they should make him pay. Then the judge said they will compensate me with GH¢8,400 then the police told the judge it was too much and that they should bring it down. I kept quiet, they did not even ask me a word. Then the judge said let’s make it GH¢ 4,200. He said, let him pay 100 penalty units which is GH¢1,200 to the government and compensate me with GH¢ 4,200. I went back and told the judge that I will not take the compensation and I will pursue my case and take it to a higher place,” she narrated.

Seeking justice’

Afiba is seeking justice for her 3-year-old daughter whose genitals have been bruised by the Indian national.

She feels the police betrayed her and will therefore take the matter up to a higher court.

–

By: Jonas Nyabor & Caleb Kudah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Mother accuses police of ‘cover-up’ in abuse of her 3-yr old girl appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mr Murray said he was stepping aside just hours after the Seattle Times reported that his younger cousin, Joseph Dyer, had accused him of abuse.

Mr Dyer is the fifth man to accuse Mr Murray of sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s, the newspaper reports.

Mr Murray denies the allegations, but said he did not want “personal issues” interfering with “public business”.

“While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our City government to conduct the public’s business,” Mr Murray said in a statement on Tuesday.

His resignation will take effect from 17:00 local time on Wednesday, the statement added.

Mr Murray, 62, said that he was “proud of all that I have accomplished” but added that due to the reported accusations “it is best for the city if I step aside”.

The first allegation of abuse against Mr Murray was reported in April. Since then, four more men have come forward, the Seattle Times reports.

Mr Dyer, 54, said that he was 13 in the mid 1970s when he was forced by his elder cousin, Mr Murray, to have sex in his mother’s home in New York.

Mr Murray, a former Democratic state representative who is in a gay marriage, says that he is the target of a political campaign aimed at stifling his progressive politics and tarnishing his record as a gay-rights champion.

The next mayoral election in Seattle, a city of about 700,000 people, will take place in January 2018.

Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell will take over as mayor until the election.

–

Source: BBC

The post Seattle Mayor Ed Murray resigns amid sexual abuse allegations appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

As the maiden edition, the event is christened, “Supporting girls to learn, lead, decide and thrive: the responsibility of all.”

The participants from Sagnarigu, Saboba and Gushiegu are to be taken through topics such as managing changes in girls, career counselling and guidance and child protection with emphasis on sexual abuse and child marriage.

Songtaba’s Executive Director, Hajia Lamnatu Adam at the opening ceremony said the event sought to give participants the opportunity to integrate and deepen their knowledge on the abuse of their rights.

She mentioned child marriage, sexual violence and abuse, commercial sexual exploitation of children and child tourism, access to Technical and Vocational Training and decent employment opportunities for young girls as some of the factors affecting girl child growth, hence the Girls Camp establishment.

Hajia Lamnatu encouraged the participants to pay attention to the instructors and serve as Ambassadors of change in their localities.

She called for a multifaceted approach to solve the menace saying, “The project has reached out to about 750 girls from July 2016 to date. We must all support to build solid structures at the community level such as the community child protection teams to protect our vulnerable girls from abuse. Protection is less expensive than dealing with the consequences of the abuse.”

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed in a speech read on his behalf reaffirmed government’s commitment to fight against all forms of girl child abuse.

“As a government, we are committed to this course of ensuring that the SDGs on attaining international acknowledgement of the power of women is attained by 2030.”

The girls’ camp is in line with implementation of the Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA) project in 30 communities.

The 5-year project seeks to achieve equal rights and opportunities for girls and young women.

It is also expected to significantly reduce child marriage and sexual abuse of young girls in the beneficiary districts.

According to UNICEF one out of five Ghanaian young girls is in marriage or in an informal union or cohabitation arrangement.

The phenomenon is attributed to negative cultural practices, religious beliefs, poverty, peer pressure, illiteracy and parental irresponsibility.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Songtaba train girls on sexual abuse appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A nine-month investigation by the Indianapolis Star finds 368 gymnasts allege abuse over 20 years, by at least 100 coaches, gym owners and others.

The allegations come amid claims that the US body that governs gymnastics did not do enough to prevent the assaults.

But USA Gymnastics says it is “proud of the work it has done to address and guard against child sexual abuse”.

The sport received huge attention earlier in the year due to the success of its women’s team at the Rio Olympics.

The newspaper writes that gym owners and athletes were reluctant to come forward with their allegations for fear that they would attract negative attention and lose potentially lucrative sponsorships.

Those that did complain to USA Gymnastics felt that their claims were ignored, as the governing body failed to alert police to the alleged crimes.

“Some coaches are fired at gym after gym without being tracked or flagged by USA Gymnastics, or losing their membership with the organisation,” authors Tim Evans, Mark Alesia and Marisa Kwiatkowski report.

Dozens of athletes say the powerful body – which determines who represents Team USA at the Olympic Games – never even replied to some of those making the claims.

Gymnastics officials dispute that claims were kept quiet in order to preserve the reputation of the sport.

“Nothing is more important to USA Gymnastics, the Board of Directors and chief executive Steve Penny than protecting athletes, which requires sustained vigilance by everyone – coaches, athletes, parents, administrators and officials,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We are saddened when any athlete has been harmed in the course of his or her gymnastics career,” USA Gymnastics said, adding that mandatory background checks are now being performed on all coaches.

Earlier this year, lawsuits were filed against doctor Larry Nassar, a former longtime doctor for USA Gymnastics, by women gymnasts accusing him of sexual assault, which he denies.

Rachel Denhollinder told the BBC she was sexually assaulted when she was 15 years old and went to see Dr Nassar while he was working at Michigan State University.

Ms Denhollinder said Dr Nassar sexually assaulted her while treating her, with her mother in the room.
“He would position his hands in a way that she could not see what he was doing,” she said.

“It was very difficult to reconcile the person he was supposed to be and with what he was doing and so the only conclusion I could come to was that there must be something wrong with me.”

Dr Nassar pleaded not guilty last month to charges of sexually assaulting a minor.

–

Source: BBC

The post Hundreds of US gymnasts allege sexual abuse appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it had spoken to 43 victims who had been raped or sexually exploited by vigilante groups and security officials.

The president has ordered an investigation into the alleged abuses.

Islamist militant group Boko Haram’s insurgency has left 20,000 people dead and more than two million displaced.

Many of those forced from their homes have fled to camps around the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.

However, the HRW report says some of them have suffered abuse in those camps.

Some said they had been coerced into sex and abandoned when they became pregnant.

“It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them,” said HRW’s Mausi Segun.

The group said irregular supplies of food, clothing, medicine and other essentials in internally displaced camps in Maiduguri had made women and girls – many of whom are widows and unaccompanied orphans – more vulnerable.

In response to the report, President Muhammadu Buhari said he was “worried and shocked” and vowed to protect those in the camps.

He ordered the police and state governors to investigate.

Hundreds of refugees, including children, starved to death in one of the camps earlier this year, causing a “catastrophic humanitarian emergency”, according to medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres.

‘Drugged and raped’

Four people told HRW they had been drugged and raped; 37 others said they had been coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance.

A 16-year-old girl who fled a brutal Boko Haram attack on Baga in northern Borno in January 2015 said she had been drugged and raped by a vigilante in charge of distributing aid in the camp.

“He would bring me food items like rice and spaghetti so I believed he really wanted to marry me,” the girl said.

“But he was also asking me for sex. I always told him I was too small [young]. The day he raped me, he offered me a drink in a cup. As soon as I drank it, I slept off.

“I knew something was wrong when I woke up. I was in pain and blood was coming out of my private part. I did not tell anyone because I was afraid,” she recounted.

She said she became pregnant but her attacker fled the camp when he heard she had delivered.

–

Source: BBC

The post Boko Haram: Nigerian officials ‘sexually abusing’ victims appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.