UN received 54 complaints of sexual abuse in 3 months

United Nations, May 2: The UN has received 54 complaints of sexual abuse or exploitation during the first three months of this year, Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday.

The allegations were reported from all UN entities and partners implementing its programmes.

Haq said that the allegations involved 66 victims of whom 13 were girls under the age of 18.

"Combating this scourge (of sexual abuse), and helping and empowering those who have been scarred by these egregious acts, continue to be key priorities for the Secretary-General in 2018," he said.

Peacekeeping operations accounted for 14 allegations, 18 were from UN agencies, funds and programmes, 21 related to implementing partners and one to a member of a non-UN international force, he said.