Should soldiers be immune from prosecution in conflict areas?

COL Ted Mc — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:30:38 -0400

From "The Globe and Mail"

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/SOMNIA/article24462138/

The UN must stop shielding predators in its peacekeeping ranks

In Canada, United Nations peacekeepers are seen as heroic figures and a legacy of a former prime minister, Lester B. Pearson. But in some countries to which the blue-helmeted international force are sent to protect civilians, the peacekeepers aren’t seen as heroes but as predators.

There is a serious crisis of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeeping forces and other UN staff working in trouble spots. The UN admits to 79 victims last year. Critics say there are many more, and that the blanket immunity from prosecution granted to UN personnel serving on peacekeeping missions should be partly lifted. We agree.

Roméo Dallaire, the retired Canadian general and former senator, said last week that he has been seeing reports of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers since 2001. He called it a “festering situation” that the UN, through its inaction, has allowed to get worse.

He’s right. Last month, a whistleblower leaked an internal report about horrible sexual abuse by French soldiers in the Central African Republic. It detailed how soldiers were trading food for sexual favours with starving, homeless boys as young as nine. Some of the boys were sodomized. The UN suspended the employee who leaked the report, and then prevented French investigators from interviewing a UN staffer who took statements from the abused children. The UN cited immunity in denying the investigators access to its staff, according to the French investigators.

NOTE - It only takes one rotten apply to start ruining the barrel so please consider your answer carefully as the next article might be talking about someone you know.

The UN must stop shielding predators in its peacekeeping ranks

In some countries to which the blue-helmeted international force are sent to protect civilians, the peacekeepers aren’t seen as heroes but as predators.

Response by SGT David T. made May 18 at 2015 12:42 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:42:22 -0400

This all depends really on the specific circumstances. If a Soldier willingly commits a war crime then yes they should be tried for their crimes. In other instances I would say generally no. Again it would really depend on the facts of the specific case. In the article they are talking about French peacekeepers on a UN mission. If the facts show that a crime was in fact committed then those Soldiers should be held accountable.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 18 at 2015 12:42 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:42:33 -0400

Abiding by the Geneva Accords is what separates us from them. It needs to be kept that way. (on paper and in the public eye of course)

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 18 at 2015 12:51 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:51:34 -0400

Immune to local prosecution? Absolutely. I'd hate to think what would happen if we were subject to Iraqi or Afghani courts, which are corrupt and politically motivated way too often. We're present in those countries because they suck and their governments can't be trusted to handle things appropriately.

HOWEVER, we should never hear about a situation that was investigated and swept under the rug. Soldiers should be expected to adhere to American and local laws and this sort of stuff should be dealt with harshly.

I would even be okay with turning said soldier over to local law enforcement once we've convicted them under our own standards, IF the crime committed warrants it and the punishment would be appropriate under our own laws.

Response by SSG John Bacon made May 18 at 2015 1:07 PM

SSG John Bacon — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:07:32 -0400

Yes Unless, They break the rules of engagement, the law of land warfare, or commit crimes against civilian population unless the Civilian(s) are committing crimes themselves. And only prosecuted by the Soldiers own nation not the host nation.