clear spot

New Wikileaks cable suggests UN peacekeepers dealt food for sex ↘

I’m wondering how to spread information like this without it being just a complaint about corruption. I think that when I post things like this, it’s in an effort to deconstruct faith in one’s government. And to point out for myself that it’s never, ever surprising to see power being abused, and it’s never warranted to feel pride and security in a large-scale global network of government-sanctioned “peacekeepers.” It reminds me of the violent mafia-style terrorist organization in Mexico who go by the name “Peace and Justice.” In another light, I’m excited to see more true information being unearthed by Wikileaks for the protection against sex-exploitation on a local level. This gives me hope in the power of citizens to create their own system of checks and balances— like copwatch projects.

shortformblog:

Sex exploitation by UN peacekeepers: A 2010 UN embassy cable released by Wikileaks indicates that U.N. peacekeepers traded food and basic supplies (mobile phones, as well) for sex with destitute underage girls in the Ivory Coast. The cable concerns the actions of Beninese peacekeepers in the…

(via paxamericana)