Peacekeeping

Ten years ago, sewage from a UN peacekeeping mission’s base in Haiti contaminated a major water supply. The resulting cholera epidemic killed over 10,000 Haitians.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Rwanda seemed straightforward at first. But as the mass killings began, the UN ordered its blue helmeted troops to evacuate foreigners — but not intervene to save the Tutsis from slaughter.

The UN says it has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to UN peacekeepers and sexual abuse. But when a 14-year-old Haitian boy was abused by Pakistani peacekeepers, the UN did little to bring his case to justice in Haitian courts.

Fijian soldiers have been part of UN peacekeeping operations in Iraq since 2004. Five have been killed and others are being held captive by the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. One way the brigade stays committed and strong is to sing. And they believe it keeps them safe, as well.

Departing peacekeepers in Haiti have left their mark in at least one way — pregnant Haitian women. There’s an effort underway to check paternity, but it’s up to the peacekeeper’s country to decide what to do about it.