Frontline Season 36 Episode 15
Frontline
Season 36

Ep 15. U.N. Sex Abuse Scandal

  • TV-14
  • July 24, 2018
  • 53 min

In the Frontline season 36 episode 15 titled "U.N. Sex Abuse Scandal," the focus is on a scandal that involves the United Nations, specifically the peacekeeping operations. The episode investigates the extent of sexual abuse and misconduct committed by U.N. peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones around the world.

The episode begins by setting the scene of the United Nations, an organization that was established to promote peace, security and development globally. It then focuses on how the U.N. peacekeeping operations were established in the 1940s to support efforts towards peacekeeping and security.

The episode then goes on to highlight the distressing reality of sexual abuse and exploitation that has been recorded for decades, with reports of such behavior dating as far back as the 1970s. It covers cases where peacekeepers have reportedly been involved in the exploitation of vulnerable women and children in countries such as Haiti, Bosnia, Congo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

The documentary reveals that U.N. officials had been made aware of these incidents, but little was done to prevent them. The episode features interviews with U.N. staff, peacekeepers, and human rights activists who share their experiences dealing with the organization and the U.N.'s seeming inability to deal with the issue of sexual misconduct.

Furthermore, the documentary shows the negative effects of such sexual exploitation on the locals in the affected countries and how it has exacerbated the already-dire humanitarian situation. The report also highlights how the U.N.'s inaction has contributed to the lack of trust in the organization, including the lack of confidence in its peacekeeping operations.

The episode then goes on to explore the measures taken by the U.N. in recent years to address the problem, including the establishment of offices for protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, and the implementation of policies offering support for victims. However, it is highlighted that the problem still persists.

The episode also highlights the challenges faced in implementing such measures, with some arguing that they are not always practical, and that more needs to be done to change the culture of the organization.

The documentary concludes by asking the question, "Can the U.N. reform to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse?" It leaves viewers with a sense of unease as it highlights the pervasiveness of the problem across the globe and how it has fostered mistrust in the U.N.

"U.N. Sex Abuse Scandal" is a riveting episode that offers an in-depth analysis of a problem that must be addressed urgently. It highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure that the U.N. and its peacekeeping operations align with their original goals of promoting peace and security worldwide.

Description
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Frontline, Season 36 Episode 15, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download Frontline on demand at online.
  • First Aired
    July 24, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    53 min
  • Language
    English