The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, has suspended some of its peacekeepers following reports of serious misconduct.
"The Mission strongly condemns such behaviour which is not worthy of United Nations personnel," MONUSCO said in a statement on Wednesday.
Although the UN Mission did not give details, international media reported that eight South African "blue helmets" had been detained over allegations of sexual abuse.
Zero tolerance policy
MONUSCO said the reports about the peacekeepers' behaviour followed a series of measures that had been proactively implemented across the Mission area to ensure compliance with UN values and standards of conduct.
MONUSCO contacted the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services and took "precautionary measures" in line with the Secretary-General's zero tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and other serious misconduct.
