Rep. Boozman Acts to Address UN Peacekeeping Scandals

Rep. Boozman Acts to Address UN Peacekeeping Scandals
Congressman's amendment included in sweeping UN reform legislation

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the House International Relations Committee, today voted for legislation that calls for sweeping reforms at the United Nations (UN). The bill, "The Henry Hyde United Nations Reform Act of 2005," includes an amendment offered last night by Boozman that seeks to address the history of scandals that have plagued UN peacekeeping operations around the world.

"Everyone agrees that then UN is in disarray. Scandals such as the Oil-for-Food outrage and the sexual abuses committed by UN peacekeepers in the Congo have left permanent black marks on the organization. As the largest financial contributor to the organization, we have an obligation to assert our leadership and insist on changes. Chairman Hyde's bill does just that," said Boozman.

"The Henry Hyde United Nations Reform Act of 2005" requires the UN to reform by:
* Mandating spending cuts in specific programs;
* Redirecting funds to priority areas;
* Withholding 50 percent of U.S. assessed dues if certifications are not made in key areas; and
* Withholding U.S. support for new peacekeeping missions until certifications are made that the reforms prescribed in this legislation have been enacted.

"I take the U.S.'s role within the UN very seriously and consider it our responsibility to influence positive change within the organization," said Boozman. "I believe these reforms we are calling for are attainable, realistic and most importantly, necessary."

Last night, Boozman took to the floor of the House to offer an amendment that allows for greater oversight of the UN's peacekeeping missions by giving the U.S. and other nations the option to send military personnel to assist with planning and operations at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York. The amendment passed the House by voice vote.

"As a member of the International Relations committee, I frequently hear of the atrocities and mismanagement of the UN's peacekeeping missions in places like the Congo and other areas around the world. I feel that it is imperative to address this situation immediately. We cannot and will not tolerate the corruption and brutality anymore," Boozman said during consideration of his amendment.
Ending the UN peacekeeping sexual abuses of young women and children in the Congo has become of particular importance to Boozman. A March hearing on the issue was held in the House International Relations Committee at his behest and raised the issue with African Union (AU) officials when he traveled to Ethiopia earlier this year.

"The sex abuse scandal in the Congo has been going on for years and the UN has done little to address it. Sexual predators among the peacekeepers are forcing young girls to have sex in order to get the food they need to survive and the organization has made a poor effort at stopping this practice. It's as if no one cares. Well, the passage of my amendment shows that people do care and we are serious about holding the UN accountable for these abuses," Boozman said.

"The Henry Hyde United Nations Reform Act of 2005" passed the House by a margin of 221-184. It now goes to the U.S. Senate for their consideration.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=29191