The Distribution and Consequences of Sexual Misconduct by Peacekeepers in Haiti: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Analysis

Abstract

Background From 2004 to 2017, the UN sanctioned The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to address Haiti's political instability. Reports of sexual misconduct perpetrated by peacekeeping personnel, including children fathered by peacekeepers, were made during the course of MINUSTAH.To date no epidemiological studies have analyzed the distribution and consequences of sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers. This research will: (1) Explore the association between location (rural, semi-urban, urban) and the sharing of narratives about sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers; (2) Investigate the relationship between sharing narratives about sexual misconduct and the desire to engage with the UN/MINUSTAH. MethodsIn 2017, a cross-sectional survey was administered by Haitian research assistants using SenseMaker®, a rapid mixed-methods data collection tool that allows participants to share a narrative on a topic of interest. In total, 2541 self-interpreted narratives pertaining to the experiences of women/girls in relation to the UN were collected across Haiti. Secondary data analysis using logbinomial regression modeled the relationships of interest. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4. Results(1) After adjustment, Haitians living in rural areas were more likely (RR rural : 1.19; 95% CI: 1. 03, 1.38) to share a narrative about sexual misconduct, compared to Haitians living in urban areas.(2) The association between sharing narratives of sexual misconduct and willingness to engage with the UN was modified by who the narrative was about. Haitians who expressed personal experiences of sexual misconduct were more likely (RR sex : 4.52; 95% CI: 3.34, 6.12) to reject the UN/MINUSTAH, compared to Haitians who shared personal positive/neutral narratives of MINUSTAH. ConclusionsNarratives of civilian-peacekeeper sexual misconduct are geographically distributed and associated with rejecting the UN/MINUSTAH. This epidemiological analysis is an empirical steppingstone to understanding the distribution and consequences of peacekeeper perpetrated sexual misconduct.