ABSTRACT
International peacekeeping operations (PKOs) and other types of military missions operate in areas affected by armed conflict and are often deployed for lengthy periods. Peacekeepers, including military, police, and civilian components, are involved in sexual abuse and crime, including sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, and other crimes usually covered by national criminal law and prohibited under international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). This chapter looks briefly at the two areas relevant to PKOs in the context of THB, and considers initiatives taken by the UN, other International Organisations (IOs) and national law developments. It focuses on the possible implications of PKO missions in relation to THB, and at the role of PKOs in combating THB. The chapter also considers the legal problems that emerge in effectively dealing with cases where peacekeeping personnel are involved in activities linked to THB. PKOs are well established institutions in international relations.
