Criminal Accountability of UN Officials

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: McKenzie Montgomery

The Republic of Colombia believes that no one person or one group of people should be excused from taking accountability for crimes. This also includes UN officials. It doesn’t look good for the United Nations if people are being excused for crimes that other people would get in a lot of trouble for. Colombia believes it’s very important to focus on questions about jurisdiction and immunity that come with it. But Colombia believes that if we work together and share our ideas for solutions, we can solve these problems!
One such solution that Colombia proposes is to adhere more strictly to existing structures in the ICC (International Criminal Court). In the General Assembly 67/88 entitled “Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission,” this solution arose. It prosecutes people for crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes under international law. It also states that no person under the age of 18 years old or older is immune from prosecution, including heads of state. The downside is that many major countries, such as the United States, China, and Russia all don’t follow this, so Colombia believes it is important to spread the word on this solution. If even heads of state must be held liable, then so too should UN officials.
Colombia also obliges the attorney-general to take steps to ensure effective protection of victims of, and witnesses to, crimes in general. This will be a way to hold officials (as well as others committing crimes) accountable. While also growing people’s trust with the United Nations, as they’re not only paying attention to the criminals and still holding them accountable, no matter who they are.
Colombia is also a contributor to UN peacekeeping forces and has been since 2015. Together, member states should use these forces to apprehend any official who violates their role by committing crimes. In conclusion, Colombia hopes to spread ways to hold everyone, including UN officials, accountable in the best way possible. Knowing that it is important to keep a good reputation with the people while also being fair and keeping everyone safe.

https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/gov_comments/pdfs/criminal_accountability/2014/english/colombia.pdf
https://www.britannica.com/chatbot

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Sophia Caron

Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN officials
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Sophia Caron
Committee: LEGAL
School: Portage Central High School

UN officials and experts often work in difficult and unstable environments. Most do their jobs professionally, but cases of corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, fraud, and obstruction of justice have hurt trust in the UN. One of the biggest problems is jurisdictional gaps. Some personnel have functional immunity, many host countries can’t investigate crimes properly, and some home countries don’t prosecute their citizens for crimes committed abroad. This means some serious offenses go unpunished. Saudi Arabia believes that immunity should never mean impunity. It should only protect officials while doing their legitimate work, and countries must investigate and prosecute their citizens who commit crimes while serving with the UN. Cooperation between host states, contributing states, and the UN is key to preventing gaps, sharing evidence quickly, and protecting victims through clear reporting and prompt investigations. Accountability is essential for keeping trust in peacekeeping and humanitarian work. Saudi Arabia has supported important UN resolutions, like A/RES/62/63 and A/RES/70/286, which focus on transparency, due process, and better data collection. The Kingdom has also passed laws to allow prosecution of Saudi citizens for crimes committed abroad, joined discussions on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, and supported reforms to make UN investigations and oversight stronger. To improve accountability, Saudi Arabia supports a UN Accountability Coordination Mechanism to track allegations, better extraterritorial jurisdiction so serious crimes can be prosecuted, standardized reporting and independent investigations with protections for whistleblowers, clear limits on immunity, and pre-deployment training on laws and ethics. Saudi Arabia believes that by improving cooperation, making legal responsibilities clear, and ensuring investigations are effective, the UN can deliver justice, strengthen the rule of law, and maintain the trust of the international community.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Giada Orsini

Committee: LEGAL
School: East Grand Rapids

Slovenia is a strong supporter of the United Nations and believes in human rights, fairness, and the rule of law. Slovenia is concerned about crimes committed by UN officials and peacekeepers, especially cases of corruption and sexual exploitation. These actions harm victims and damage trust within the UN. Slovenia believes that while UN workers need protection to perform their duties, they should never be protected from punishment for serious crimes, especially those not related to UN procedures.
Slovenia supports immunity for UN officials only for actions done as a part of their job, not for personal crimes. Slovenia believes that if a UN worker is accused of a serious crime, the UN should prepare to waive immunity so justice can be served. Slovenia believes that countries must take responsibility for investigating and prosecuting their own citizens who commit crimes while serving in UN missions. Host countries should also be able to prosecute when it is safe and fair. Slovenia advocates for improved cooperation among the UN, home countries, and member states, ensuring that cases are not overlooked and are effectively addressed.
Slovenia supports stronger investigations by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services. Slovenia also supports agreements that require countries sending peacekeepers to prosecute crimes committed by their personnel. Slovenia also believes that there should be more protection for victims, especially women and children, including confidential reporting and support services. Slovenia also believes that there should be clear rules on when immunity should be waived and that there should be more transparency so member states know how cases are handled.
Slovenia believes that accountability is essential to protect victims and maintain trust in the UN. No UN official should be above the law. Slovenia will work with all member states to ensure a fair system that supports both justice and the UN’s mission around the world.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Rafay Dar

Topic: Criminal accountability for UN officials-2025
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name:Rafay Dar
School: Forest Hills Central High

For over seven decades, the United Nations has been conducting operations in many operations in other countries, and the limits and jurisdiction of the United Nations has often been unnoticed or overlooked as implemented limits would end up impeding their mission. However, with this great power and authority comes great responsibility to not abuse it. A vast majority of the cases in which the United Nations has to work in a specific country result in a swift and efficient job without struggle and impediments. Sometimes, this is not the case as UN officials sometimes end up overstepping their bounds resulting in misconduct, abuse, and sexual exploitation in several countries: most prevalent being the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.

Oftentimes, these individuals from the UN would end up never facing criminal accountability for the atrocious acts they commit, due to the “functional immunity” that these United Nations officials possess when on missions in foreign countries. This can only be waived by the UN secretary general, but this rarely happens. Often, many nations would be hesitant to prosecute for the crimes committed out of fear of the repercussions they may face, and this was a very widely recognized problem as reports of United Nations misconduct continued to rise. As a result, the 2007 resolution A/RES/62/63 was passed in order to address these issues and hold some accountability for the problems caused by these violations.While the system currently in place is a great step in the right direction to hold officials accountable for misconduct, the delegation of Ecuador believes that more preventative measures need to be implemented in order to prevent incidents like this from happening frequently in countries at risk.

While the country of Ecuador has not suffered many of these abuses, it is imperative that the cycle must not be perpetuated. The nation of Ecuador urges United Nations member states to implement some sort of system reliant on checks and balances of the power that these UN missionaries hold, as it is the UN’s responsibility to prevent crimes and abuses from happening. There still needs to be a way to prevent these instances from occurring in the first place. Systems such as background checks, extensive surveillance, and accountability incentives would lead to a safer and less abusive system for UN officials to do their work in other countries, which would restore the faith the UN has in their operatives as well as the trust that many exploited countries have in the United Nations.

Works Cited:
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/71/criminal_accountability.shtml https://usun.usmission.gov/statement-at-the-80th-general-assembly-sixth-committee-agenda-item-77-criminal-accountability-of-united-nations-officials/
https://docs.un.org/en/A/78/129
https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/62/63

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Harini Manikandan

From the United Nation’s failures in addressing several genocides in Africa to the immense refugee support it has given in the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of Congo recognizes the momentous impact the UN has on the world, both good and bad. The United Nations holds the responsibility in ensuring the rights of humans throughout the world, and it is the body that provides help to nations in need. However, when the people who came to help and solve the issues commit crimes themselves, it becomes a disastrous issue. According to the United Nations: Conduct in UN Field Missions on SEA Report, from the over 250 proven cases of sexual assault, only 105 cases have led to punishment by the home country. While it is hard to capture the criminal in the first place, the lack of follow-through leaves this issue to continue spiraling.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced many challenges with the harms committed by the UN peacekeepers that have come to our nation in the pretense of help. In 2023, there were eight peacekeepers convicted of committing sexual exploitation and violence in eastern DRC. These peackeepers were in our nation under the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, and they were found to have raped young girls from ages 12-19. We hold a very personal connection to this issue, and we worry about the lack of tangible convictions that result from the home country. The DRC does not take these crimes lightly, and we urge the United Nation to not only find a solution to solve this issue, but also convict the criminals for their crimes.

While the Democratic Republic of Congo appreciates the aid given by the United Nations in times of need, it is very important that these issues are addressed in a timely manner. The longer we wait to address these problems within the system, the more it will fester and harm the innocents. The first solution that the DRC proposes is an increase in transparency of the proceedings of the criminals. When home countries are given the responsibility of prosecuting the perpetrators, the UN should still be able to see the results of the cases and the jail times. The DRC also urges more justice for child survivors and the provision of aid to help them recover. The Democratic Republic of Congo looks forward to working with other nations to help eradicate this issue from the system, leading to a better future where aid doesn’t harm but helps.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Claire Yang

Country: Hellenic Republic of Greece
Committee: Legal
Topics: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials and Responsibility of International Organizations
School: Mattawan High School

The delegation of the Hellenic Republic of Greece emphasizes the importance of a strong commitment to criminal accountability and to the responsibility of international organizations to maintain global peace, security, and justice. As an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian initiatives, the Hellenic Republic of Greece believes that international organizations play a central role in promoting stability and upholding international law. In line with the principles of international criminal law and the rule of law, any criminal activities involving UN officials within international organizations must be reviewed impartially and addressed justly.

The Hellenic Republic of Greece recognizes the necessity of balancing the empowerment of international organizations with the imperative of accountability. While international organizations must have authority to fulfill their essential mandates, they must operate under transparent and legally binding frameworks. The Hellenic Republic of Greece asserts that: any individual, regardless of rank or position within an international organization, must be held responsible for violations of international law, international organizations themselves must be answerable for misconduct and actions that would breach established legal norms, and investigations and prosecutions must be conducted fairly proportionately and consistently with international legal standards.

The delegation has consistently supported initiatives strengthening accountability mechanisms within the UN and other international bodies that including: endorsing UN internal oversight reforms to ensure transparency and justice, ratifying international treaties such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court that highlights individual criminal responsibility for violations of international law, and actively participating in multilateral forums in addressing humanitarian and legal responsibility of international organizations.

The Hellenic Republic of Greece proposes the following measures to maintain criminal accountability and organizational responsibility:
Strengthening International Oversight Mechanisms: Establish or reinforce independent investigative bodies within international organizations to monitor compliance and report violations.
Legal Clarity and Consistency: Ensuring that all personnel and organizations operate under clear international legal frameworks and face consistent enforcement measures.
International Cooperation: Encourages cooperation among sovereigns and international courts to ensure accountability without undermining their authorities.
Education: Promoting programs on ethics within international law and human rights for UN officials and staff of international organizations to prevent misconduct proactively.

The Hellenic Republic of Greece reaffirms its dedication to justice, accountability, and multilateral cooperation. The delegation remains committed to working alongside the international community to ensure that UN officials and international organizations act responsibly and transparently while preserving the integrity of their goals. Upholding the rule of law and international standards is essential for the continued trust and effectiveness of global governance.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: DeeDee Cairns

Legal
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Bangladesh
DeeDee Cairns
Forest Hills Northern

The United Nations relies on a vast and diverse workforce who operate globally, often in fragile environments. While many carry out their responsibilities with integrity, documented incidents of corruption, exploitation, and sexual abuse have raised serious concerns about the UN’s ability to ensure accountability. These cases have exposed inconsistent enforcement of legal norms and alarm over the effectiveness of the current accountability in the UN. Investigations of misconduct are undertaken by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), yet its ability to ensure criminal accountability remains constrained to the fact that only Member States have the authority to prosecute. Despite referral procedures established by the UN Secretariat and reinforced through General Assembly resolutions, UN reporting continues to have many numbers of allegations each year.
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh regards the integrity of UN service as fundamental to international peace and security. Bangladesh affirms that functional immunity must never act as a shield for criminal behavior. The Government of Bangladesh permits investigation and prosecution of its nationals who commit offences abroad, and it consistently cooperates with referrals transmitted by OIOS and the Conduct and Discipline Unit. Furthermore, Bangladesh emphasizes the necessity of a victim centered approach, especially in host countries where limited resources and unequal conditions prevent many victims from accessing justice.
Bangladesh believes that effective accountability requires a strengthened partnership between the United Nations and its Member States.The UN should continue strengthening its oversight bodies, report credible allegations more quickly to the relevant States, and make its follow-up process more transparent. Member States should also ensure that their national legal systems can prosecute serious crimes committed abroad so that offenders cannot escape responsibility. Bangladesh further supports stronger training before and during deployment on conduct, human rights, and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, along with better protection for victims and witnesses.
Through these efforts, Bangladesh seeks a system that preserves the independence of UN officials while ensuring that those who commit serious crimes are held fully accountable. Upholding justice, protecting vulnerable people, and maintaining the credibility of the United Nations must remain central to the integrity and work of the UN.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Luis Avila

Legal Committee
Criminal Accountability of UN officials
The Republic of Peru
Luis Avila, Forest Hills Northern High School
Diplomatic immunity was created to protect officials from harassment or arrest while carrying out their duties, but in some cases, it has been misused to avoid accountability. The United Nations has recognized this problem and has taken steps to hold its officials responsible for wrongdoing. In December 2007, the UN General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/62/63, which encouraged member states to prosecute crimes committed by UN personnel, even when those crimes happened outside their home countries. Since then, the UN has set up procedures to refer credible allegations to the home countries of accused staff and asks member states to report whether their national laws allow prosecution of crimes committed abroad by UN personnel. The UN has also called for better reporting and pre-deployment training to prevent misconduct. While these measures were put into place, the lack of criminal accountability of UN officials is still a problem.
Peru believes that UN personnel should be held accountable for serious crimes, and that immunity should protect officials only while they are doing their jobs, and not to let them get away with corruption, abuse, or sexual exploitation. Peru’s laws on extradition and extraterritorial jurisdiction let the country work with host nations and the UN to prosecute its citizens who commit crimes abroad. For example, Article 2 of the Peruvian Penal Code (Legislative Decree No. 635) applies Peru’s criminal law to crimes committed outside the country, and Ley Nº 24710 (Extradition Law) sets the rules for extradition with other states. These laws show that Peru can make sure its citizens are held responsible for their actions, even while serving in UN missions. Peru contributes personnel to UN peacekeeping missions and is committed to making sure its nationals act responsibly. It also collaborates with other countries, like Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, as well as the wider international community, to share best practices and provide training for UN personnel before deployment. Showing Peru’s dedication to maintaining the credibility of UN missions.
While the UN has taken steps to refer allegations of misconduct and encourage member states to prosecute their personnel, there are still gaps in enforcement and transparency. The Republic of Peru recommends that the United Nations set up a UN-wide monitoring system to track investigations and prosecutions of officials accused of serious crimes. The UN could take measures such as deadlines for when member states must report their cases, centralized databases for access and accountability on each case, and public updates ensuring transparency within the UN. Along with this, a small UN team could be put in place to aid countries in investigating and fixing problems if cases were to stall. If these measures are put in place, Peru believes that UN officials on missions can continue to be safe, while still being held accountable if there is illegal activity. Peru is committed to working with the international community to make sure UN personnel are held accountable for their actions, no matter where they serve.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Haley Hansen

Crime is a universal problem for all countries, but it becomes a dire issue when the people put in charge of protecting countries from crime are the criminals. Countries count on the United Nations to help them at their weakest; they entrust the United Nations officials with the lives of their people. I ask my fellow delegates, what is a country left to do when the people sent to protect it take advantage of it and its citizens instead? Being sent to countries in their most fragile state gives United Nations workers, like peacekeepers, the opportunity to exploit a country and its people.

The Central African Republic affirms the need for United Nations officials to face accountability for their crimes, as it is no stranger to such abuse. For example, allegedly, on the third of August two thousand and fifteen, United Nations peacekeepers shot and killed a father and son, Balla and Souleimane Hadji, refusing to transport them to a medical center, and shooting at the daughter when she attempted to aid her dying family (theguardian.com). Or a day earlier, when a twelve-year-old girl reported that a United Nations peacekeeper allegedly took her out of her home and separated her from her family during a house-search and then proceeded to baterize and rape her behind a truck (theguardian.com). And that’s only one of 730 reports made as of two thousand and fifteen of United Nations peacekeepers’ sexual abuse in the Central African Republic (thenewhumanitarian.org).

As stated, the Central African Republic is familiar with the abuse put forward by United Nations officials. Many overseers of these officials were aware of the abuses, but ignored and or failed to penalize them accurately. Due to the economic state of the Central African Republic, it does not have enough funding or resources for functioning and or efficient courts to prosecute the violations made by United Nations officials and workers. It is important to the Central African Republic that justice is taken swiftly and efficiently, but that the delegates here consider the fragile and destitute state of the Central African Republic when making their decisions.

This is why the Central African Republic favors a solution with prosecution handled by the UN. The officials who committed such crimes were allowed to join and serve in the United Nations despite the numerous possible warning signs. The Central African Republic would support solutions that enact some form of further or improved psychological evaluation of United Nations officials to prevent exploitation and crime. Given the lackluster punishment of past violations made by United Nations officials, it is crucial that accurate punishments are served to the perpetrators. This relies on the United Nations to be transparent in the ways it manages crimes carried out by its officials. All in all, the Central African Republic is in high hopes to finally bring justice and peace to the victims of these crimes, and restore the integrity of the UN.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Josephine Moe-Abla

This issue affects all of the UN greatly. There is a need for responsibility of a nation’s civilians, including UN officials and peacekeepers. The issue, being a constant subject in meetings with no resolution, is a large issue. Nations need to account for their people and not let emotions guide them. The State of Israel has had many accusations made against it. The UN officials have unlawfully stated on several occasions that our prime ministers have committed, or permitted, war crimes in conflict. Namely, purposefully shooting UN peacekeepers. The International Criminal Court has unfairly warranted investigations into possible crimes in Gaza. This has unlawfully hurt the morale of our civilians and government officials alike.
Recently, Israeli troops have been hostile towards UN peacekeepers. However, the UN officials have failed to uphold their mandate. The UN officials have let Hezbollah troops deminate the southern border. It is only fair that the Israeli troops retaliate. The Hezbollah troops have been fighting near UN posts, yet they fail to stop the genocide.
Furthermore, all false claims are unruly and politically motivated. Our peacekeepers have done nothing to warrant these tormentors. The State of Israel claims innocence, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talks about. Israel has taken precautionary measures to stop the spread of more misinformation. Including, but not limited to, restricting the movement of UN peacekeepers and calling for withdrawal. In more severe cases, Israel has had to resort to military intervention. The State of Israel is the victim, not the offender. It is imperative that we as a committee, pass something that protects our civilians, and more importantly, our officials.
While on the topic, in a previous UN meeting regarding the same topic as this, Israel has mentioned bringing criminal accountability to those peacekeepers who commit crimes. This issue has been regularly addressed by the UN; however, there is no final resolution passed. Israel wants innocence until proven guilty, in addition to national sovereignty. It is no other country’s business whether Israel chooses to condemn our officials or not. The State of Israel calls upon fellow delegates to see the issue within your own government, and decide the path the delegate truly wants for their country.

Works Cited:

United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/23, Wikipedia,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_ES-10/23#:~%20143,Guinea%20and%20the%20United%20States.

Rubin, Michael. UN Peacekeepers Do More Harm Than Good, 6 Oct. 2024,
www.aei.org/op-eds/un-peacekeepers-do-more-harm-than-good/#:~:text=It%20almost%20seemed%20a%20parody,provided%20cover%20for%20Hezbollah%27s%20rearmament.
Gaza war, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_war.

Hamas-Israel War: Views From Wilson Center Experts, Wilson Center, 24 Oct. 2023,

www.wilsoncenter.org/article/hamas-israel-war-views-wilson-center-experts.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Jennavieve Conant

In the growing years, with the increase in wars or problems between countries, it’s very important to hold governments accountable for their actions. It is important to make sure that when someone steps out of line, other countries make sure they are prosecuted for their actions, because once one country steps out of line and doesn’t face repercussions, then this will expand every country’s access to do what they want without facing problems. It’s like a sweater; once it is stretched out, it is very difficult for you to shrink it. This is similar to if you let the power expand access to break laws without having punishments for them, it is very hard to shrink that power back to what it once was. Thailand usually aligns with the UN legal terms, which are treaties being upheld and that are a binding agreement that shouldn’t be broken, and that protocol will be followed when deciding on ideas and solving problems. They support peaceful resolution and a desire for problems to be settled fairly and peacefully. They also suppose the progress on human rights and refugees. However, just because they support the pursuit of international legal dispute resolutions, it does not mean that they do not believe in order and justice. If a country breaks a law, Thailand would want to see them prosecuted for their actions. They believe in accountability for their actions and respect due process, but when they choose between whether they should be charged in their home country, host country, or the UN. They would pick between the UN and their home country because they believe that countries have a duty to exercise criminal jurisdiction over their nationals, even when the crime that they commit happened abroad in another country. Overall, Thailand believes in fairness in prosecutions because it respects law and order, believing that all crimes should be punished. When deciding what actions are needed when an offense happens that hurts the UN, or a crime is committed

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Bahrain
Delegate Name: Kaitlyn Gruber

Upholding a system that values criminal accountability at all levels of the government is vital for a just and functioning society. Without it there is no reason, besides morality, not to commit crimes. Yet across the globe, systems put in place to ensure justice undergo increasing strain, allowing criminals of many offenses to go unpunished and damaging public’s trust in those same systems intended to protect them. They are used selectively, especially when the question of power comes into play. The issue of those in positions of power, at any level from local to national, only holding others accountable for their actions when its convenient is nothing new, but has been brought into the public eye more so in recent years illuminating deep-seated corruption. Despite the legal frameworks and international agreements designed to punish and dissuade bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power, impunity remains a persistent issue; officials divert public funds, launder assets, and manipulate systems, often without facing any meaningful consequences. According to the United Nations, corruption is responsible for the loss of roughly 2.6 trillion dollars annually, or about 5% of the world’s GDP. But the problem of accountability runs rampant through the private sector as well, with over one trillion dollars in bribes being given by businesses and individuals every year. This under the table cash flow drains essential resources from necessary public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, disproportionately harming the most vulnerable while allowing the top one percent to continue to thrive and walk free. Powerful officials will use their influence to stall or block investigations or exploit loopholes in legal immunity, remaining above the law. Recognizing this crisis, the United Nations has established legal measures to respond. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted in 2003 and requires states to criminalize bribery of public officials, embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of function, illicit enrichment, and other related offenses. It is intended to promote preventive measures (such as transparent public procurement, financial disclosures, codes of conduct, and protections for whistleblowers) and mandate international cooperation in investigations and asset recovery. Still, there is a gap between commitment and implementation. The fact that UNCAC was created in 2003 and the issue of criminal accountability still holds true shows that it was not enough to stop the problem. If a nation isn’t interested in implementing and upholding these measures to the greatest possible extent, often because they would regulate the actions of corrupt government officials, then they will just allow such things to fall by the wayside and do the bare minimum. Where anti-corruption agencies lack real independence, and where judicial systems are compromised or underfunded, the most powerful perpetrators continuously evade justice. This gap undermines efforts to recover stolen assets, prosecute abuse, and deter future corruption. Only by closing the impunity loophole for government officials can the damage done be mended, and this begins with a global reinforcement of criminal accountability.
Bahrain is committed to addressing the pressing issue of criminal accountability, a global crisis plaguing every nation to some extent. In Bahrain corruption and failures in criminal accountability have political, social, and institutional consequences. These challenges undermine public trust, weaken the law, and threaten the integrity of governmental institutions. To combat this issue, Bahrain has taken decisive measures. Our national laws, including the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, outline clear penalties for bribery, embezzlement, and misconduct in public office. The National Audit Office publishes annual reports on government ministries and agencies, reflecting our deep commitment to greater financial oversight. Additionally, the Kingdom of Bahrain has introduced the Anti-Corruption and Economic and Financial Crimes Directorate within the Ministry of Interior to investigate misconduct and thus strengthen transparency. Bahrain is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), aligning our national efforts with global standards and initiatives to promote governmental accountability. Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Enforcement must be strengthened, and monitoring bodies require more resources to ensure that officials are held accountable primarily by their own nation and not by the UN as a whole, a each nation should be allowed to handle situations of corruption and accountability as they see fit and however best works for the country. Possible removal or UN or other government officials should be considered as an option for more extreme cases. Public awareness of corruption mechanisms could also increase, and judicial capacity must be continually developed to ensure that corruption-related cases are handled impartially.
Going into this committee session, Bahrain would like to see proposals involving stronger international cooperation in financial oversight, legal assistance, and information sharing to track illicit funds. We also hope to see the establishment of clearer accountability frameworks to ensure that government officials must undergo fair, transparent, and consistent standards of justice. However, simply adopting new legal frameworks will not be enough unless they are correctly implemented. For example, even in Bahrain, initial reforms have sometimes faced limitations due to insufficient investigative resources or gaps in inter-agency coordination. Bahrain looks forward to collaborating with other nations to develop innovative solutions and stronger global mechanisms to combat corruption at all levels. Together, we can advance the rule of law, strengthen governmental integrity, and build transparent institutions that uphold justice for a better world.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Ishitha Turlapati

Name: Ishitha Turlapati
Country: Portugal
Committee: Legal
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
School: Portage Central High School

Portugal believes the United Nations’ credibility and moral authority are rooted in its integrity and accountability. However, the Secretary-General’s latest report, Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission (A/78/129), makes it clear that serious misconduct, including corruption, fraud, sexual exploitation, and abuse, still happens across different UN missions. These violations don’t just undermine public trust; they disrupt peacekeeping by hitting vulnerable groups, especially women and children in fragile or conflict-affected states. Portugal, a firm supporter of human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation, insists that the UN needs a stronger and transparent system for accountability.
Portugal recognizes that functional immunity enables UN staff to perform their duties without political interference, particularly in sensitive situations. As the Secretary-General’s report points out, immunity only covers actions taken in an official role. It can’t and shouldn’t protect anyone who commits serious crimes. When credible allegations come up, Portugal supports quick, informed decisions on lifting immunity and a victim-centered approach, which aligns with the UN’s focus on upholding the dignity and rights of survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. For Portugal, keeping a real balance between operational independence and legal accountability is non-negotiable.
Portugal stands by General Assembly Resolution 62/63: the official’s home country has the main job of prosecuting UN personnel accused of crimes. Host states, especially those in conflict zones like Haiti, often lack the stability, resources, or even the legal authority for fair trials. That’s why Portugal supports a cooperative approach. The home country leads prosecution, the UN shares evidence and findings, and when possible, the host state joins in the investigation. This model respects national sovereignty and ensures no one serving the UN can dodge justice.
Portugal also highlights the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) as central to accountability inside the UN. Portugal supports expanding the OIOS’s capacity to deploy rapid-response investigative teams, especially where risks are high. Also, it urges all Member States to adopt laws supporting extraterritorial jurisdiction, as recommended in A/78/129.
Portugal supports creating a central UN registry to track allegations, the progress of investigation, and prosecution results, making the process more transparent but still protecting confidentiality. At the same time, Portugal views stronger victim support as key to restoring trust in the UN and ensuring justice.
Portugal insists that immunity must never mean impunity. By clarifying jurisdiction, strengthening investigations, making the process more transparent, and prioritizing victims, the UN can defend its credibility and keep the world’s trust. Portugal remains committed to all Member States developing fair, effective, and human rights-centered ways to ensure every UN official is held to the highest standards of international law.

Sources
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4059939
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/614089
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/78/criminal_accountability.shtml
https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2024/03/91964/sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-un-intensifying-efforts-uphold-victims

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Bryce Broughton

The United Nations itself was created with, more or less, one goal in mind: to keep the peace. Be it the safeguarding of natural rights or the provision of humanitarian aid, to say that the organization was created with benevolent aims would likely be an understatement of some sort. Unfortunately, however, in recent years, concerns have arisen regarding abuse on the side of United Nations officials. Allegations of wrongdoing on behalf of United Nations representatives – particularly on peacekeeping missions in states including but not limited to the Republic of Haiti, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – have entered the public eye. This, on top of additional allegations surrounding fraud and corruption, have resulted in this becoming quite the high-profile issue. While in theory all of this should be handled by various United Nations committees and organs, there are additional geopolitical roadblocks that cause accountability to be limited and for certain malefactors to slip through the cracks.

It is the belief of the delegation from Chile that there exists a diplomatic duty (if not a moral / ethical duty) to do everything in our orbit to limit these abuses of power from individuals that are supposed to represent such a compassionate organization. We call upon the United Nations to expand the purview and prosecuting abilities of certain United Nations-based justice systems (in regards to United Nations officials, at the very least) and to be more cautious about the immunities that are granted to such officials during peacekeeping missions. While in theory, yes, such protections enable duties to be performed without significant interference by local authorities (interference that may be politically motivated and in contrast to the view of the United Nations, keep in mind), in practice, immunity opens up an entirely new proverbial can of worms regarding criminal behavior. This is not to say that such immunities should be entirely discarded – they do exist for a reason – but this is simply to say more caution should be taken with the permittance of such immunities.

In a brief conclusion, the hope of the delegation from Chile is that, through a re-assessment of what immunities for United Nations officials look like, as well as an increase in the power of certain agencies to prosecute misbehaving United Nations officials, we can work towards a society more peaceful and just for all without sacrificing vital purposes of international agencies.

Works Cited
Nations, United. “#Work4UN: Basic Facts about Working for the United Nations.” United Nations. Accessed November 5, 2025.
https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/work4un-basic-facts-about-working-united-nations.
Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association. “Criminal Accountability of UN Officials – GLICA.Org.” September 1, 2025. https://glica.org/glimun/committees/criminal-accountability/.
UN General Assembly. “Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission – Seventy-First Session – Sixth Committee (Legal).” Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/71/criminal_accountability.shtml.
Nations, United. “History of the United Nations.” United Nations. Accessed November 23, 2025. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Josh Machnacki

The criminal accountability of United Nation (UN) officials is an incredibly nuanced, longstanding and technical problem. As a nation with an extensive history of troop contribution, the Republic of Ireland firmly believes that the Legal Committee must do everything possible to improve existing systems that work to hold officials, including peacekeepers, accountable, and seek out new methods to address this vital issue. Severe crimes such as sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and other illegal actions by UN officials must not go unpunished, with the lack of accountability damaging the reputation and fracturing public trust in this Organization.

As stated in the Report of the Group of Legal Experts on ensuring the accountability of United Nations staff and experts on mission with respect to criminal acts committed in peacekeeping operations (2006), “Officials and experts on mission for the United Nations enjoy immunity from the exercise of national criminal jurisdiction for acts performed in the exercise of their official functions.” The Secretary General of the United Nations is charged with determining if an act is part of the perpetrators official duties. If they deem it is not, immunity does not apply. In the event that the action was performed in the exercise of their official functions, the Secretary General may still waive immunity when doing so would not harm UN interests and would allow justice to be served. The home state of the official retains jurisdiction at all times, meaning the Secretary General does not necessarily have to waive immunity for the official to be held accountable. Ireland favors that course of action, as it protects UN employees from possible political prosecution. UN peacekeepers/members of military contingents have the privileges and immunities specified in their Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), an agreement between the UN and host state detailing the legal status of peacekeepers in the host state for that mission. Under the model SOFA, jurisdiction for prosecution is completely retained by the Troop Contributing Country (TCC). It falls on member states to ensure they have in place laws establishing jurisdiction over crimes committed by foreign nationals, which Ireland has done, and encourages all states to do. This is the best way to ensure prosecution is possible and accountability is upheld. Ireland supports the current system of the The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) (the internal oversight body of the UN) for investigating fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse and other misconduct. Ireland believes that the current OIOS system should greatly increase in transparency. Member states should be required to report action taken after receiving a report that a national committed a crime. The threat of public scrutiny would prevent nations from falling back onto inaction. Prosecution by the home state must not mean support does not reach the victims of crimes committed by UN personnel. Ireland supports the efforts of the​ Trust Fund to support the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, which provides funding to specialized services, which provide assistance and support required by victims and children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse, including medical care, legal services, and psycho-social support, as well as aid in other areas.

The Delegation of Ireland is committed to ensuring accountability is upheld, and will work to advance/support resolutions addressing as many of the facets of this issue as possible. Existing UN investigatory systems must be clarified so they can be properly utilized by victims, and be made to be more transparent. Where crimes are committed by members of military contingents, TCC’s should have legislation in place to enable prosecution. The Legal Committee needs to push as hard as possible for measures to achieve these ends. Member states must not allow accountability to be left to the wayside. Inaction will result in the continued degradation of the UN’s reputation and worse, the continued harm to the people the UN works to help.

Sources:

United Nations, “Report of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein, on a Comprehensive Strategy to Eliminate Future Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (A/59/710).” 24 Mar. 2005, United Nations.

“Group of Legal Experts” Report (via Sixth Committee / criminal accountability)
United Nations General Assembly, “Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission: Note by the Secretariat and Report of the Group of Legal Experts (A/62/329 & A/62/54).” 8 Jan. 2008, General Assembly.

Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse site
United Nations, “Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” United Nations Preventing Sexual Exploitation & Abuse website, www.un.org/preventing-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/content/trust-fund.

United Nations General Assembly, “A/RES/62/63. Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission.” 8 Jan. 2008.

United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). United Nations, www.un.org/oios.

“Peacekeeping.” Role & Policies: International Priorities – Peace and Security, Department of Foreign Affairs, Government of Ireland, www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/role-policies/international-priorities/peace-and-security/peacekeeping/.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Josh Machnacki

The criminal accountability of United Nation (UN) officials is an incredibly nuanced, longstanding and technical problem. As a nation with an extensive history of troop contribution, the Republic of Ireland firmly believes that the Legal Committee must do everything possible to improve existing systems that work to hold officials, including peacekeepers, accountable, and seek out new methods to address this vital issue. Severe crimes such as sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and other illegal actions by UN officials must not go unpunished, with the lack of accountability damaging the reputation and fracturing public trust in this Organization.

As stated in the Report of the Group of Legal Experts on ensuring the accountability of United Nations staff and experts on mission with respect to criminal acts committed in peacekeeping operations (2006), “Officials and experts on mission for the United Nations enjoy immunity from the exercise of national criminal jurisdiction for acts performed in the exercise of their official functions.” The Secretary General of the United Nations is charged with determining if an act is part of the perpetrators official duties. If they deem it is not, immunity does not apply. In the event that the action was performed in the exercise of their official functions, the Secretary General may still waive immunity when doing so would not harm UN interests and would allow justice to be served. The home state of the official retains jurisdiction at all times, meaning the Secretary General does not necessarily have to waive immunity for the official to be held accountable. Ireland favors that course of action, as it protects UN employees from possible political prosecution. UN peacekeepers/members of military contingents have the privileges and immunities specified in their Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), an agreement between the UN and host state detailing the legal status of peacekeepers in the host state for that mission. Under the model SOFA, jurisdiction for prosecution is completely retained by the Troop Contributing Country (TCC). It falls on member states to ensure they have in place laws establishing jurisdiction over crimes committed by foreign nationals, which Ireland has done, and encourages all states to do. This is the best way to ensure prosecution is possible and accountability is upheld. Ireland supports the current system of the The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) (the internal oversight body of the UN) for investigating fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse and other misconduct. Ireland believes that the current OIOS system should greatly increase in transparency. Member states should be required to report action taken after receiving a report that a national committed a crime. The threat of public scrutiny would prevent nations from falling back onto inaction. Prosecution by the home state must not mean support does not reach the victims of crimes committed by UN personnel. Ireland supports the efforts of the​ Trust Fund to support the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, which provides funding to specialized services, which provide assistance and support required by victims and children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse, including medical care, legal services, and psycho-social support, as well as aid in other areas.

The Delegation of Ireland is committed to ensuring accountability is upheld, and will work to advance/support resolutions addressing as many of the facets of this issue as possible. Existing UN investigatory systems must be clarified so they can be properly utilized by victims, and be made to be more transparent. Where crimes are committed by members of military contingents, TCC’s should have legislation in place to enable prosecution. The Legal Committee needs to push as hard as possible for measures to achieve these ends. Member states must not allow accountability to be left to the wayside. Inaction will result in the continued degradation of the UN’s reputation and worse, the continued harm to the people the UN works to help.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Kennedy Anderson

Since becoming one of the founding states of the United Nations in 1945, the Philippines has taken an active role throughout its history, with a focus on peace. This year when asking for a non-permanent seat in the security council for the 2027-2028 term, our goal while having on the seat we would consider the views and concerns of all Member States and other UN organs. Along with that we want to advance the cause of global peace, “with the depth of experience earned from our struggles for peace.”. The Philippines values our role in the United Nations and values the work that is done and believe that the United Nations is a vital part of country relations. In a 2015 Security Council open debate on Maintaining International Peace and Security as a representative of the Philippines Irene Susan B. Natividad stated that “the international community can count on the Philippines to uphold the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter. The UN and its Charter have been, and will remain to be, crucial bastions for the voices of all countries to be heard on the global stage.”

The Republic of Philippines deeply concerns itself with holding criminal acts of officials accountable. With having a history of colonization from other countries, combatting oppression within other countries is one of values that we hold deeply. Since 1963 the Philippines has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, deploying more than 15,000 Filipino peacekeepers to 21 UN peacekeeping and special political missions across Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. We will continue to increase our engagement, sending more Filipinos across the globe to aid as many people as we can. With worldwide participation to keep those in need safe we will continue to strengthen accountability mechanisms and system-wide efforts to implement a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring that the rights and dignity of victims are fully protected and respected. We also attach high priority to the safety and security of peacekeepers, who often operate amid complex political and security environments. They must be equipped with adequate resources, training, and support to enable them to perform their mandates safely and effectively. In recent years we have begun to cooperate with the International Criminal Court to keep officials regulated on an international stage.

In this committee we plan to extend this work to all other working UN members. The Republic of Philippines is aware that not every situation is the same however we will aim to set a baseline for officials and peacekeeping troops no matter where they are stationed. Creating universal training materials and guidelines for peacekeeping missions will help with setting expectations that every group can follow. Implementing a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, ways they can aid civilians in need and other civilian safety measures, will allow a straightforward, inclusive plan to share what will be tolerated as a peacekeeper. The Republic of Philippines acknowledges how important it is for women in uniformed roles, increasing women in peacekeeping missions will also allow for a diverse environment and have women in need feel safe when met with unfamiliar UN peacekeeping troops. Creating a victims resource for people who may have been at the hands of power abuse of UN Officials, will let victims and all people in need know that we care for them and value their safety not only from others within their country or opposing countries but within UN missions as well.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Julian Andare

The criminal accountability of United Nations officials, specifically U.N. peacekeepers, is a highly complex situation, requiring careful navigation of international law, immunity, and criminal prosecution. Under Article 105 of the United Nations Charter, U.N. officials “shall similarly enjoy such privileges and immunities as are necessary for the independent exercise of their functions in connection with the Organization. It is critical that the Legal Committee acknowledges that this immunity is not absolute, only freeing officials from national jurisdiction and restricting unconsented search. This topic is one that is of the utmost importance to Sierra Leone, a nation that has depended upon U.N. peacekeeping previously. As a troop-providing nation to the U.N., Sierra Leone believes that this topic is extremely important and requires further resolution. However, despite extensive legal frameworks and resolutions on the topic, significant challenges remain in ensuring effective accountability for perpetrators.

Unfortunately, the crime most often perpetrated by U.N. peacekeepers is forms of sexual abuse towards those in the mission country. As stated by Secretary-General António Guterres, “Sexual abuse violates everything the United Nations stands for and tears apart the trust placed in us by the communities we serve.” This issue is especially prevalent in war-torn nations, especially African nations. This issue is not one that is contained and is an isolated incident; it is a dire situation that requires a swift resolution that will hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. This is proven by the 2017 incident of when 134 peacekeepers were involved in a sexual exploitation ring in Haiti over a ten-year period, involving minors. It has been extensively documented that peacekeepers have withheld critical supplies from victims if they do not comply. The true scale of this situation is displayed by the shocking 758 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by staff in 2023. This topic requires a resolution that gets victims the justice they deserve and holds officials accountable. Victims must have access to key resources and support after these situations occur, and investigations must be conducted.

Sierra Leone considers this issue to be of the utmost importance to be resolved. The Legal Committee should adopt a dual-mandate resolution: holding officials accountable and providing support to victims. Accountability first starts with officials themselves; troop-providing nations must properly train their troops on conduct standards and local customs. This allows the peacekeepers to maintain a positive relationship with the local community. It is further critical that the nations that send troops to peacekeeping operations adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse, a policy that Sierra Leone utilizes. Another key issue in this topic is the question of prosecution. In this matter, Sierra Leone affirms that the responsibility of prosecution falls upon the troop-supplying nation, and action must be taken. Any incident of sexual abuse perpetrated by any U.N. official should be referred to the office of internal oversight services. This allows for a proper investigation into the circumstances and an appropriate resolution to be reached. If peacekeepers are found to have violated policy, they should be repatriated to their home nation, barred from future missions, and referred for criminal prosecution. Further, troop-contributing nations should supply the United Nations with a comprehensive report of the prosecution process.

As for victims, proper support materials and relief must be made available by the United Nations in case of an incident. Such materials must be provided by the local United Nations peacekeeping office, such as MONUSCO, by an appropriate official. Such services include medical, psychosocial, legal services and safe homes. These services can be provided through the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, as outlined through its objectives.
Ultimately, the delegation of Sierra Leone maintains that peacekeeping operations may only function properly if accountability for perpetrators and their enablers is present and consistent. Troop-contributing nations must prosecute offenders. Furthermore, the United Nations must provide critical support to survivors of abuse and their families. Sierra Leone will support any resolution that supports these principles and strengthens the world’s trust in the United Nations.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: India
Delegate Name: Ezra Navin

The Republic of India believes that no one person is above the law, not even United Nations officials. The Criminal Accountability of UN Officials is a problem that could seriously undermine the integrity, credibility, and image of the United Nations. As such, it is important to streamline the policies of jurisdiction across the United Nations. During the period from July 1st, 2022, to June 30th, 2023, there were 11 United Nations officials, and experts reported for investigation and possible prosecution, 1 allegation of corruption and fraud, 5 allegations of fraud, 3 allegations of entitlement fraud, and 2 allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Although these case numbers are lower than in previous years, India believes that even one case is enough to harm the reputation of the UN.
Furthermore, the Indian delegation recognises States as primarily responsible for conducting thorough investigations of UN Officials and, if found guilty, punishing the accused officials under the state’s own laws. Additionally, while UN officials are on a mission, the host country is responsible for monitoring unlawful behaviour. The delegation strongly urges states to establish jurisdiction over serious crimes committed by their nationals while on the United Nations mission. India also urges the United Nations to provide states with technical and other appropriate assistance to update their laws and develop legal measures. Providing assistance will eventually fill the jurisdiction gap among member states.
Related to this topic is the Indian Extradition Act, 1962, which deals with the extradition of fugitive criminals and the related issues. The Act allows for extradition during extraditable offences related to the terms of an extradition treaty with another state. Similar laws to this could be created to ensure the protection of UN officials by their host country. The delegation of India would also like to reiterate the need for regular contributions to the Secretary General’s Trust Fund, created to assist victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. India has been regularly contributing to the fund and hopes that all member states will do the same.
As one of the leaders of the NAM (Non-Alignment Movement), the Indian delegation agrees with their statements on the Criminal Accountability of UN Officials. Currently, countries included in the NAM contribute more than 80% of the peacekeeping personnel in the field, but many of these countries are also major recipients of those peacekeeping missions. To this point, the Movement expresses its appreciation for the major contributions and sacrifices made by these UN peacekeepers. However, the NAM stresses that if its no tolerance policy for exploitation and abuse is used by the UN, the policy could help with the accountability of UN officials.
The Republic of India believes that there should be no tolerance for the illegal activities of UN officials and that if officials are found guilty of such activities, the jurisdiction for these crimes should lie with the host countries of those officials. India hopes that this committee can reach an agreement on the Criminal Accountability of UN Officials to prevent future illegal actions by UN officials.

Bibliography:
Government of India. Statement by India: Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission. United Nations, 2023
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/78/pdfs/statements/criminal_accountability/08mtg_india.pdf.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Statement on Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission. United Nations, 2025,
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/80/pdfs/statements/criminal_accountability/9mtg_nam.pdf.
United Nations. “Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, https://www.un.org/preventing-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/content/trust-fund

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Vivienne Ilg

With growing concerns of immunity for UN personnel, the Arab Republic of Egypt recognizes how this will damage the United Nations mission’s credibility. Officials’ lack of accountability on issues like corruption, abuse of power, and sexual exploitation undermines trust in peacekeeping, especially in vulnerable countries.
Egypt stresses that UN’s legal framework already makes it very clear that personnel only receive immunity for actions performed in their official capacity, not for private crimes. The Secretary-General also has the right to waive immunity when it “would impede the course of justice.” These examples showcase that immunity exists to protect the UN, not to protect criminals.
The Arab Republic of Egypt is one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping forces. Egypt firmly believes that legal immunity should not be a shield for criminal activity or behavior. Immunity should only apply to actions performed in an official capacity and should not protect individuals who blatantly disregard and violate international laws or domestic laws of host states. When a small number of officials commit abuses, they harm the reputation, safety, and effectiveness of officials working with integrity.
Egypt also would like to acknowledge that, like all major troop-contributing nations, we have our faults with ensuring full transparency and timely investigations when allegations arise. Egypt is working to strengthen oversight mechanisms and improve coordination with the UN to address these gaps.
Peacekeepers sometimes require protection to perform duties in dangerous environments, but victims also deserve transparency and justice. The Arab Republic of Egypt supports reforms to make sure that immunity remains a helpful tool for operational efficiency, and not an excuse for criminal actions.

Works Cited:
United Nations. No. 4 CONVENTION on the PRIVILEGES and IMMUNITIES of the UNITED NATIONS Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 13 February 1946 CONVENTION SUR LES PRIVILÈGES et IMMUNITÉS DES NATIONS UNIES. ‌
“Secretary-General’s Reports | Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” Www.un.org, www.un.org/preventing-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/content/secretary-generals-reports. ‌

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Connor Robertson

The Islamic Republic of Iran, while fully respecting the valuable work carried out by officials and experts of the United Nations throughout the world, is deeply concerned about recently emerging cases of corruption, fraud, and sexual exploitation by UN personnel during their missions. While diplomatic immunity is indispensable to ensure that the officials of this world organization conduct their responsibilities without political pressure, it should never be used as an excuse to shelter individuals who commit crimes. Accountability needs to be significantly enhanced, not only to protect the victims but also to maintain the world public trust in the United Nations.
Among the questions outlined by the Committee, Iran believes several issues merit more attention. Often, there are no clear procedures on when and how immunity should be waived, which has allowed some individuals to avoid prosecution. Many host countries, particularly developing countries, lack the ability to assert their rights when crimes occur within their territories. Similar situations apply to contractors and temporary workers who are not consistently subject to the existing rules, and they, too, need to be included in accountability frameworks. Finally, political considerations can sometimes influence which cases are pursued, which more often than not causes gross miscarriages of justice. Victims often face barriers to reporting abuse, and their voices need to be better supported.
Iran proposes practical and fair solutions that respect both state sovereignty and the independence of the United Nations. In a sense, Iran believes that host countries should have the primary right to prosecute crimes committed within their borders. Waiver of immunity in respect of credible evidence of wrongdoing is proposed. In instances where this immunity prevents local prosecution, such responsibilities will necessarily shift to the official’s home country, which should be under an obligation to investigate and prosecute the case.
Iran supports efforts to enhance the Office of Internal Oversight Services by establishing clearer procedures for conducting investigations and making findings public whenever possible. Iran also strongly advocates for stronger host country-UN cooperation agreements so as to facilitate greater sharing of evidence and investigation on both sides. Victim protection is a key concern for Iran, and expanded survivor support programs, along with easier reporting systems, should be established. Iran finally encourages all member states to enact legislation allowing prosecution by home countries of crimes committed abroad by their nationals while serving on UN missions. Iran’s position is based on the established principles of the UN, as well as General Assembly Resolution 62/63, and the Secretary-General’s report A/78/129, which underlines critical loopholes in UN staff accountability and urges increased cooperation between states and the UN. The UN Charter speaks to the principles of state sovereignty, equality among nations, and the rule of law that all those which Iran bases its approach on. Iranian jurisdiction allows the country to try Iranian nationals for specific categories of crimes committed on foreign territory, which, in turn, corresponds to the principle of responsibility before home-state authorities. Similar past cases in countries like Haiti and the Central African Republic give more than enough reason for the urgent need to develop stronger global standards.
The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that meaningful reform is possible and necessary. The UN can work to enhance justice for victims and restore trust in its missions by enhancing oversight, clearly defining the limits of immunity, empowering host states, and ensuring home-state responsibility. Iran looks forward, in this respect, to cooperating with all member states to develop an effective framework created to protect communities and preserve the integrity of the United Nations.

Chair, Mr. Statement by Mr. Yahya Aref Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran before the Sixth Committee of Seventy-Ninth Session of General Assembly Agenda Item 77: Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission 10 October 2025-New York.
CIA. “Iran – the World Factbook.” Www.cia.gov, 7 May 2024, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/iran/.
“OFFICE of INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES |.” Oios.un.org, oios.un.org/.
United Nations. “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: UN Intensifying Efforts to Uphold Victims’ Rights | UN News.” News.un.org, 26 Mar. 2024, news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148016.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Julia Serraiocco

Just like some citizens, there are at times, UN officials who break the law, and the punishments for these crimes tend to be overlooked due to their role in protecting our global interests and peace. Due to this, many manage to avoid true consequences; as a result, the chances of repeating these crimes are more likely. Pakistan is alarmed by this situation and considers criminal accountability a major concern, if action is not taken this issue will only continue to grow. Pakistan is a South Asian nation which joined the United Nations on September 30, 1947, just over a month after its independence. Its society is diverse, with multiple ethnic groups, languages, and cultural backgrounds that contribute to its national character. Pakistan recognizes that United Nations representatives tend to hide behind the innocence of their positions, or behind the immunity which the role comes with, which damages credibility and defeats the entire cause of the organization. This issue results in a double standard where countries are expected to enforce justice, even if UN officials are not up to policy.
The issue of criminal accountability of United Nations officials has become increasingly significant, and Pakistan believes that this growing issue must be addressed before it harms the UN’s image and the safety of the contributions made towards international communities.
Pakistan has noted how harmful the lack of accountability can be. While Pakistan attempts to uphold strict training and discipline, the reality is that there have been multiple cases involving Pakistani nationals committing unpunished crimes, we are already taking steps to tackle this issue that we hope to bring over to the international stage. Pakistan doesn’t deny conflicts within their own government and sees it as evidence that no country is immune to corrupt officials. Pakistan also views it as proof that accountability must be taken and violations must be condemned. There have been multiple reports of exploitation and abuse involving UN officials. These incidents have shown major gaps in accountability, and Pakistan believes that the UN’s current system protects officials from the true consequences because of their diplomatic status.
Over time, Pakistan aims to reduce corruption with improved training and adaptation to some of the UN’s zero-tolerance rules for sexual exploitation, abuse, fraud, and financial misconduct. Pakistan is a strong advocate for strict, clear reporting channels and transparent investigations led by the UN and host nations. Misconduct not only harms communities but also ruins Pakistan’s long-standing reputation as one of the largest and most reliable and credible contributors to UN peacekeeping forces.
Pakistan hopes to create a solution that strengthens accountability without weakening peacekeeping. Pakistan has even discussed whether the punishment should be up to the criminal’s home country, current country, or the UN. Pakistan plans to collaborate with countries that value transparency to ensure that future peacekeeping missions include trust and operate with integrity. Pakistan believes that justice must be consistent and unbiased, sending a clear message that no one serving under the UN flag is to be treated above international law.

Work Cited:
Pakistan Statement — Criminal Accountability — Sixth Committee (Legal) — 77th Session. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
“UN Experts Urge Pakistan to Address Human Rights Violations in Balochistan.” OHCHR, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/04/un-experts-urge-pakistan-address-human-rights-violations-balochistan. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
“Pakistan at the United Nations.” Pakistan Mission to The United Nations, pakun.org/pakistan-at-the-united-nations. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Amjad, Fatimah. “Pakistan Says Countries Contributing to UN Peacekeeping Excluded from Key Mandate Decisions.” Arabnews, 10 Sep. 2025, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2614755/pakistan.
“Pakistan.” United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/pakistan. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Esther Kim

As the world’s largest international organization, the United Nations plays an indispensable role in preserving international peace. Even so, historically, significant humanitarian damage has been caused by individual UN officials who have committed internationally wrongful acts. A notable and unfortunate case is the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, where officials’ neglect led to a cholera outbreak, killing thousands. Other reports of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, have been documented, most prominently in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.

At the center of the debate is the principle of functional immunity, which protects UN officials from legal processes that would otherwise find them guilty. Perhaps more importantly, it also leaves victims without adequate compensation for the damage caused. In light of this, South Korea emphasizes its support for the principles of justice and international law and maintains that the UN should only respect officials’ functional immunity to the extent that an official mission requires.

South Korea recognizes that one of the major obstacles to accountability is the lack of transparency surrounding reports of alleged misconduct. Thus, transparency should be improved by providing relevant information about alleged offenders, especially to states directly involved in the case. This will support informed legal processes to determine the necessary administrative actions. From a preventive standpoint, states should also ensure that deployed officials are fully aware of their international responsibilities, legal obligations, and local customs.

Systemic weaknesses in existing prosecution processes also warrant serious attention. While internal mechanisms such as the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) conduct investigations that seek to hold UN staff accountable, many states have cited concern over understaffing and potential conflicts of interest. This has often led to ineffective investigations that experienced unnecessary delays. For this reason, South Korea advocates for the diversification of the prosecution process by involving different entities. Specifically, when an internationally wrongful act does not constitute a jus cogens violation, the authority to prosecute should lie with the host country, and the official’s home country should assist when the host country lacks proper jurisdiction or power to enforce final decisions. On the other hand, when an internationally wrongful act involves the violation of jus cogens norms, South Korea believes that the ICC should get involved. In fact, South Korea strongly encourages all states to ratify the Rome Statute to enable smooth cooperation with the ICC in prosecuting internationally wrongful acts.

South Korea also emphasizes the need for a more robust dispute mechanism that would allow for a multilateral agreement for victim compensation and reparation. Consistent with international legal standards, victims should have access to timely and appropriate compensation, regardless of whether the harm was intentional or accidental. Thus, South Korea proposes the establishment of ad hoc dispute mechanisms consisting of representatives from the host state, official’s home state, and UN OIOS officials. Under this system, administrative decisions would be carried out by national authorities, ensuring that compensation and reparations can be decided and enforced in a more holistic and credible manner.

In conclusion, South Korea believes that with the increase of transparency, establishment of diversified prosecution processes and robust dispute mechanisms, the functional immunity of UN officials can be respected while upholding international law.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Gavin O’Meara

Gavin O’Meara
Canada
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Legal Committee
Forest Hills Central High School
The United Nations is the largest intergovernmental organization in the world, which makes it responsible for protecting and regulating its member countries. One aspect of these duties that is often overlooked is that the officials representing countries also require regulation. These officials need to be held accountable for their actions, but debate arises when considering when and how officials should be regulated and held responsible, as each country has a unique set of legal restrictions.
Recently, this issue has been addressed in the 71st session of the 6th Committee of the UN Legal Council from October 6 to November 21, 2025. During this session, the council urged member states to prosecute individuals from their own countries, requested stronger vetting and training, and focused on how to provide additional support to victims. Canada was one of many signatories on this resolution, and therefore shows how Canada plans to address the issue.
Canada proposes that the UN focus on strengthening its stance on holding UN officials accountable, as having trustworthy and knowledgeable officials is necessary to uphold the values of the UN. Canada believes itself to be an outstanding example of honesty and integrity, so preventing deceit and personal interests from infecting the UN is of utmost importance to the delegation of Canada.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Christian Boyce

Committee: Legal Committee
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Swiss Confederation
Delegate: Christian Boyce
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

United Nations (UN) officials, similarly to a specific nation’s diplomats, are provided
immunity so that their work may be conducted well and efficiently. However, with the territory
comes a serious concern regarding the limits of immunity and the potential abuses of the
practice. In recent years, such misuses of immunity have emerged, engendering discussion on
how the issue must be addressed. Among other cases, sexual misconduct among peacekeepers
and fraud within various UN organizations have been at the forefront of the discourse. At the
heart of these individual cases is the matter of how the UN will hold perpetrators accountable
and to whose responsibility prosecution lies.
Throughout its own proceedings on the matter, the Swiss Confederation has asserted its
own competence to prosecute Swiss nationals serving as UN officials. Switzerland has also
remained an advocate for limited universal jurisdiction. Swiss criminal law pertains to acts
committed by its nationals abroad. Furthermore, Swiss federal law contains provisions for
international assistance in criminal investigations. The Swiss Confederation has maintained a
firm stance in favor of the creation of an international convention to address jurisdictional issues,
as encouraged by the Group of Legal Experts in General Assembly (GA) A/60/980 . To inform
discussion on the matter, the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law conducted a study on a sample
of UN member states to determine possible gaps in criminal prosecution regarding UN officials.
The United Nations itself has stressed the importance of resolving the matter. The
Secretary-General maintains a zero-tolerance approach to UN official misconduct. While the
Secretary-General has provided reports on allegations of misconduct, the United Nations has
done little in the way of finding a solution. In GA Resolution 71/134, the United Nations has
mostly left the matter of prosecution up to the individual member states, encouraging them to
take appropriate measures for punishing wrongdoings. The UN has put itself in a more ancillary
position, providing information to individual states with each criminal case.
The Swiss Confederation is in favor of increasing international cooperation on the matter
of criminal accountability. While individual nations should be the primary actors regarding
criminal prosecution, there are many cases in which there are no provisions for such action.
Many countries have no laws regarding nationals abroad. It is within the very nature of the
United Nations to work together to resolve the issue. Switzerland looks forward to cooperating
with its allies and other UN member states to increase mutual assistance and potentially UN
involvement to better handle issues with its officials.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Noah Nelson

Legal Committee
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Republic of Iraq
Noah Nelson
Forest Hills Eastern

The world loses an estimated 3 trillion dollars a year from corruption and bribery. That is roughly 5% of the world’s global GDP. Around the world 1 out of 4 people pay a bribe to access rudimentary services like the police, courts, healthcare, schools, etc. Iraq has taken large steps to remove corruption from its domain. Iraq has been committed to removing corrupt officials ever since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The switch from a single party authoritarian leadership to a federal republic has left residual corruption, which Iraq is determined to stamp out. Importantly, Iraq has joined the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), which helps nations discuss the best practices, training, and international cooperation to combat internal corruption. Furthermore, this initiative also supports legal aid clinics for communities inflicted by environmental corruption as well as providing whistleblowing tools for environmental violations. The UNCAC has made motions to combat corruption within countries by delivering a database of tools and preventive methods to end internal corruption.

Iraq is committed to ending government corruption. Iraq has taken steps to combat said corruption in their own country as well as internationally. The Federal Integrity Commission (Col) is preparing a six-year national anti-corruption strategy to remove corrupt politicians starting in 2025. As of 2019 the UNDP, in collaboration with Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council and others, monitored 184 cases showing incredible progress in prosecuting high-level corruption cases. The Iraqi Integrity Commission claims to have recovered 51 corruption suspects from abroad, proving stronger international cooperation. In addition the Iraqi government has issued over 220 travel bans to suspected corrupt government officials.

Iraq suggests that the UNDP approve funding to monitor high level corruption courts across the globe. Iraq, together with UNDP, is urging legal reforms like the Access to Information Law. According to UNDP, this law would improve and make government spending more transparent. Iraq believes that the UN should take a key advisorship role in ending government corruption for good. The UN is a necessary partner in this endeavor.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Keegan Miller

Committee: LEGAL
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Brazil
Delegate: Keegan Miller
The corruption of officials in the UN is an issue of the utmost importance and strong action is required to stop corruption among officials. Recently in the UN allegations against representatives from Haiti, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have revealed that many UN officials are corrupt. As well, numerous other incidents in the UN have put this on display like the former UN general assembly president with him being involved in a “$1.3 million bribery scheme” (Bribery Scheme).
Brazil believes that corruption in the UN is unacceptable with them joining UNCAC in 2006 to further show this claim. Aswell, Brazil has made strong anti corruption laws that punish harshly for corruption. The effectiveness of these laws is questionable as there is poor enforcement of these laws within the country. This is reflected in the people’s perception of corruption in the country with them only scoring a 34 on CPI according to transparency International (The CPI is an index that rates confidence in the government based on public perception), ranking them at 107 out of 180 countries. Another big problem in recent history was an attempted coup on the government from Jair Bolsonaro significantly affecting the public’s opinion of the government.
The UN does not take to corruption kindly and is starkly against it. One example of how the UN is against corruption is the UNCAC which stands for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This group helps fight corruption globally as well within the UN itself. It does this by helping member countries set up stricter laws and criminalizing corruption in general. It is able to do this as its policies are legally binding to member nations which helps discourage politicians and representatives from taking bribes and doing other corrupt actions. According to UNCAC there are 192 states that have signed and joined into the convention making it almost universal in fighting corruption. While it has universal authority, the effectiveness within countries has varied and more dependent on each individual country’s dedication to fighting corruption.
Brazil believes that corruption must be stopped as Brazil itself has suffered in the past and continues to suffer from the effects of corruption. Brazil believes that a more formal committee must be formed to investigate corruption among specifically UN representatives that will randomly select representatives for corruption. This will prove effective in both preventing corruption of UN representatives by making them fearful of investigation as well as finding already corrupt figures.
Work Cited
Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 – Transparency.Org, www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2024. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

“UNCAC Signature and Ratification Status.” United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime, www.unodc.org/corruption/en/uncac/ratification-status.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

“Former UN General Assembly President and Five Others Charged in $1.3 Million Bribery Scheme.” Southern District of New York | Former UN General Assembly President and Five Others Charged In $1.3 Million Bribery Scheme | United States Department of Justice, 6 Oct. 2015, www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/former-un-general-assembly-president-and-five-others-charged-13-million-bribery-scheme.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Lithuania
Delegate Name: Caleb Stoner

DELEGATE: Caleb Stoner
COUNTRY: Lithuania
COMMITTEE: Legal
ISSUE: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials

Lithuania recognizes the issue facing the UN, which is Criminal Accountability of UN Officials. One of the most pressing issues is how The United States Of America is behaving in regards to the UN laws. They have violated several UN laws including but not limited to Article 1(1)”To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace” and which can be proven by General Assembly Resolution 3314, which defined aggression “the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations.”. Lithuania believes that to prevent further violations of such laws we need to implement harder punishments for those who act unlawfully within the UN. With that idea in mind we are open to any and all solutions from other members of the committee.
We recognize that we had a recent change in prime minister, however, we believe this change is a good representation of how seriously we take this issue very seriously. Our former prime minister is being investigated on the issue of illegitimate business dealings. Being sentenced to time in prison and a 16,500 euro fine issued to him. We hold strong that governmental officials should be held accountable. Lithuania has implemented many laws to prevent the crimes from happening at the source with the ratification of things such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption(UNCAC). Lithuania also is an active member of the Council’s Group of States Against Corruption(GRECO), practicing ethical principles and recognition of corruption. As well as the Criminal Code which states that any person living or within Lithuania will be charged the same as a citizen.
In conclusion, Lithuania fully supports resolutions for this issue and we have many ideas on how to approach this issue. Lithuania heavily suggests implementation of international laws that limit sovereign immunity when misused. It would prevent those who are acting out of turn from hindering the judicial process of the UN. It would specifically include things such as what crimes are exempt from sovereign immunity and prevent officials from paying off or bribing officers of the international court. Lithuania trusts that the UN officials will support this idea and policy for the greater good of the UN.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Xavier Sapotichne

Country: Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Committee: Legal Committee
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Delegate: Xavier Sapotichne
School: Okemos High School

Ethiopia has a zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct in line with UN guidelines. The United Nations has worked hard to implement boundaries and policies set in place for our officials, and we believe that one official doing something that falls under misconduct brings a bad reputation to all UN officials. Therefore, Ethiopia believes that if an official is found to have committed a crime, they should be punished to the full extent of the law. Ethiopia is one of the UN’s largest contributors of troops to the efforts of peacekeeping, so we have an extra responsibility in making sure that our troops and officials are held accountable for misconduct and crimes against the UN’s guidelines. We believe that to ensure accountability among our peacekeepers in foreign areas that they are properly trained as well as informed of the repercussions of misconduct. States need to exercise their jurisdiction over their officials to reprimand them, as well as acknowledge referrals from the UN about any allegations of their officials, and to take these into account. Nationals should be very aware of the guidelines and misconduct, especially when they are given immunity from prosecution at the place of commission of a crime, so that they do not overstep the boundaries of the UN’s guidelines.
The credibility of the UN must be maintained by having rules and regulations on democratic privilege and immunity. To balance immunity and ensure accountability from UN officials can be done by outlining guidelines firmly and with utmost importance from the States. The UN can be undermined significantly if the officials representing it do not conduct. Ethiopia would furthermore like to see changes in favoritism and for state governments to remain impartial when trying their own officials to promote accountability and recognition of the UN’s rules. Ethiopia would like to see the UN reinforce the systems of investigating and prosecuting officials, and protecting whistleblowers from intimidation for speaking out against crimes committed by officials. It is widely important for the UN and its member nations to give full cooperation to maintain the integrity and proof that the UN is a competent organization.
Overall, the accountability of UN officials needs to be taken seriously and acted upon with haste in terms of delivering punishment and holding officials accountable for misconduct and tarnishing the UN’s appearance and reputation.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Sage England

United Nations General Assembly Legal Committee
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Malaysia
Sage England
Forest Hills Eastern High School

The United Nations Legal Committee’s number one priority is to oversee, address, and resolve any issues related to United Nations officials. In recent years, peacekeepers in countries such as the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti have spoken on allegations regarding United Nations officials: namely, the privilege of immunity from local prosecution United Nations employees obtain, and the misuse of said privilege. United Nations staff members are granted immunity from local prosecution to ensure they can perform their duties effectively without political interference; however, staff members have been accused of using this privilege to commit crimes, knowing they would be able to evade prosecution for their actions. These cases have brought international attention to the United Nations’ stability, its member states’ actions, and accountability taken on both sides, or lack thereof.

Malaysia stands firm in the position that all United Nations personnel should be held equally accountable for their actions to bring justice to the world. Malaysia supports the United Nations policies that promote zero tolerance for crimes, specifically crimes involving SEA (sexual exploitation and abuse), and emphasizes that immunity is necessary to protect the nation’s Operational independence–but it should not be a safeguard. To institute accountability, it must be applicable to all states, enforceable, and consistent for all countries.

Malaysia’s main issue with this topic is that member states that claim to prosecute United Nations personnel who have committed these crimes usually fail to provide follow-up reports once they receive the referral for prosecution. The United Nations, having insufficient information, is unable to verify if meaningful legal action has taken place.

Malaysia has demonstrated its own capability to effectively prosecute its own officials, specifically peacekeepers, who have committed crimes while on mission. The International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1992 implements United Nations immunity in Malaysian law; the Armed Forces Act of 1972 provides territorial authority to prosecute Malaysian military personnel serving overseas; the Extradition Act of 1992, as well as the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act of 2002, both establish procedures for effective cooperation, evidence sharing, and coordinated prosecution with other states. Malaysia prioritizes United Nations personnel crime prevention through pre-deployment training, which includes instruction at the Malaysian Peacekeeping Training Centre and the use of the United Nations’ Clear Check screening program’s database to ensure new personnel do not currently have a criminal record.
Malaysia maintains that the responsibility for holding United Nations personnel accountable for their actions through prosecution should reside primarily with the state, ensuring accountability and legal jurisdiction. This responsibility must include measurable standards, reporting requirements, and cooperation to ensure effective justice is served.

Works Cited
United Nations. Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission. GLICA, https://glica.org/glimun/committees/criminal-accountability/.
United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee. Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission: 78th Session. United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/78/criminal_accountability.shtml.
United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. Ad Hoc Committee on Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission. United Nations, https://legal.un.org/committees/criminal_accountability/.
United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. Reports of the Ad Hoc Committee on Criminal Accountability. United Nations, https://legal.un.org/committees/criminal_accountability/reports.shtml.
United Nations General Assembly. “General Assembly Adopts Texts on Criminal Accountability of U.N. Officials.” UN Press Releases, 2008, https://press.un.org/en/2008/ga10798.doc.htm.
United Nations. Questionnaire on Criminal Accountability: Responses from Member States. United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/71/criminal_accountability/questionnaire_rok_e.pdf.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Liem Krueger

Legal
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Japan
Liem Krueger
Forest Hills Eastern

For over 75 years, UN officials have been working in other countries, with the first peacekeeping mission happening in 1948. When operating in other countries, UN officials are given “functional immunity,” which protects them from legal implications that result from their actions. Although the Secretary General can waive an official’s immunity to facilitate justice, there have still been numerous reports of misconduct committed by UN officials. Most notably, there have been widespread reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers and staff on missions in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Due the UN rarely waiving immunity and nation states of these officials being reluctant to prosecute them upon return, most of these individuals often faced no criminal accountability. As a result of these widespread reports, the UN General Assembly passed the resolution A/RES/62/63 in 2007, which encourages member states to prosecute UN officials for misconduct on missions. Furthermore, the resolution established various internal accountability measures, namely having the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) refer cases to the perpetrators country for prosecution. To this day, A/RES/62/63 is still in effect, with various resolutions being made over the years.

Japan supports holding UN officials accountable for crimes and calls for clearer and more uniform processes in regards to waiving immunity to UN officials. Being the largest financial supporter of the International Criminal Court, Japan is a strong proponent of the rule of law, which means that everyone, including the government, is equally accountable and subject to the law. Japan supports the ICC because it is seen as an impartial and independent judicial institution, free of political interference. The Tokyo Trials, which set lasting legal precedents including the individual accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes, did leave a level of skepticism in Japan about the fairness of international tribunals due to “victor’s justice.” However, Japan is still a strong supporter of the ICC. In fact, the current ICC president, Tomoko Akane, is Japanese. Japan supports the current framework that member states should exercise their national jurisdiction to hold UN officials criminally accountable, but the ICC should ensure criminal accountability for more serious crimes. Additionally, Japan is an advocate of the the UN’s zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Furthermore, Japan signed the UN’s voluntary compact, demonstrating a commitment to address sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping organizations. Finally, Japan aims to have 1,000 Japanese nationals working in UN-related agencies by the end of this year to increase Japan’s influence in UN bodies with the number of Japanese staff members being 979 at the end of October.

Japan recommends that the international community strengthen the ICC and continue to enforce the rule of law domestically and internationally. Furthermore, to help ensure accountability, Japan believes that member states should establish legislation that allows for extraterritorial jurisdiction over serious crimes committed by their nationals when deployed on a UN mission. Lastly, Japan hopes to develop strategies to help the Secretary-General and UN organs better accumulate information and prevent potential misconduct.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Amelia Wigant

Position Paper: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials in the Context of Sweden
The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and facilitating cooperation among states. However, its officials, like individuals in any powerful organization, are not exempt from scrutiny or accountability. While the UN has legal frameworks governing the conduct of its personnel, questions arise regarding the extent to which UN officials, particularly those working in peacekeeping missions, should be held criminally accountable for actions that violate international law. This position paper explores the issue of criminal accountability of UN officials in the context of Sweden, a country that has consistently supported the principles of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
Legal Framework for Accountability
The legal status of UN officials is complex due to their immunities and privileges granted under international law, specifically the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Article 2 of the Convention provides that UN officials are immune from legal process in the territory of member states in connection with their official duties. This immunity extends to a broad range of actions, including criminal acts committed in the course of their work.
However, there is a growing international debate on whether such immunity should shield UN officials from accountability for grave offenses, including war crimes, sexual exploitation, and abuse, or other crimes under international law.
Sweden, as a member of the UN, supports the principles of international justice. It is a party to numerous international conventions, such as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the accountability mechanisms for violations of human rights and international law. Sweden’s position on the criminal accountability of UN officials aligns with its broader commitment to the rule of law, justice, and human rights.
Sweden’s Role in the UN and Support for Accountability
Sweden has a long-standing tradition of supporting the United Nations, contributing to peacekeeping missions, and advocating for international human rights standards. Swedish military and civilian personnel have been involved in numerous peacekeeping and humanitarian missions worldwide, often in volatile conflict zones. However, Sweden has also been critical of instances where UN officials have been implicated in serious misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly in peacekeeping operations.
Sweden’s position is that while immunity is necessary for UN officials to perform their duties without interference, it should not be used as a shield against accountability for serious criminal behavior. Sweden has consistently supported mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability within the UN system. In recent years, the Swedish government has called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to address abuses committed by peacekeepers and other UN personnel.
Criminal Accountability and the Limits of Immunity
The immunity afforded to UN officials has been a contentious issue in relation to criminal accountability. On one hand, immunity allows UN personnel to carry out their work without fear of politically motivated prosecutions. On the other hand, this immunity can also prevent justice in cases where UN officials commit serious offenses.
In the case of Sweden, the principle of accountability has been fundamental to its foreign policy. Sweden has supported efforts to address the issue of impunity in international law, and it has advocated for systems that balance immunity with mechanisms for addressing misconduct. Sweden’s commitment to international justice is evident in its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), which was established to hold individuals accountable for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
However, Sweden also recognizes the need to ensure that immunity is not granted in cases of gross human rights violations, such as sexual violence, trafficking, or war crimes committed by UN officials. Sweden has taken a leadership role in calling for greater accountability for UN personnel implicated in such acts, emphasizing that the UN must not be above the law.
Challenges and Obstacles to Accountability
One of the main challenges to holding UN officials criminally accountable is the legal and institutional immunity provided under the UN system. The UN’s own internal disciplinary mechanisms have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness, transparency, and fairness. The internal justice system often relies on the UN’s own staff and the imposition of sanctions that may not be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense.
Additionally, the lack of a clear and accessible mechanism for prosecuting UN officials who commit crimes outside of their official duties complicates efforts to seek justice. Many UN personnel enjoy functional immunity, meaning that even if they engage in criminal conduct, they may not be subject to national or international legal processes unless they are acting outside the scope of their official duties.
Sweden’s position is that this immunity should not serve as a blanket protection for criminal behavior. Instead, the country advocates for reforms that would establish clear guidelines for when immunity should be waived and ensure that UN personnel who engage in serious criminal conduct are held accountable through both internal mechanisms and, where necessary, through national or international courts.
Proposed Solutions and Recommendations
To address the challenge of criminal accountability for UN officials, Sweden has proposed several key reforms:
Waiver of Immunity for Serious Crimes: Sweden supports the idea that the immunity granted to UN officials should be waived in cases where they are accused of committing serious crimes, such as war crimes, sexual violence, or human trafficking. This would allow national authorities or international courts, such as the International Criminal Court, to prosecute these offenses without the legal barriers imposed by immunity.

Strengthening Internal Accountability Mechanisms: Sweden advocates for reforms within the UN’s internal justice system to improve transparency and ensure that allegations of misconduct are addressed swiftly and effectively. This includes providing more resources for investigations and establishing independent oversight bodies to review cases of alleged criminal behavior by UN officials.

Collaboration with National Legal Systems: Sweden believes that member states should collaborate with the UN to ensure that criminal offenses committed by UN personnel are subject to national legal systems where appropriate. This may involve the establishment of protocols for the prosecution of crimes committed by UN personnel while they are in the service of peacekeeping missions.

Accountability for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Sweden has been a strong proponent of efforts to combat sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers. It has called for comprehensive measures to prevent these crimes, as well as stronger sanctions for those found guilty. Sweden supports the establishment of a system where perpetrators are held accountable both within the UN and through national judicial systems.

Conclusion
Sweden’s position on the criminal accountability of UN officials reflects its commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. While recognizing the need for immunity in the performance of official duties, Sweden advocates for accountability mechanisms that ensure UN personnel are not shielded from prosecution for serious crimes. By reforming the legal and institutional frameworks surrounding immunity and accountability, Sweden seeks to ensure that the United Nations remains a credible institution in its efforts to maintain international peace and security, while also upholding the highest standards of justice and human rights.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Mithil Joshi

Criminal Accountability of UN Officials through the Lens of Bolivia

The accountability of UN officials is a rising concern as allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse have risen in countries such as Haiti, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Full functional immunity protects officials from political intervention and interference, yet hinders the prosecution of serious crimes. Bolivia maintains that UN officials must operate with legal safeguards, but no individual should ever be above the law. Ensuring integrity while preserving the UN’s operational independence is essential for maintaining trust in peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Bolivia has actively participated in UN peacekeeping and developing operations, including through the G77 and regional cooperation with CELAC. In fact, Bolivia has contributed personnel to UN missions in Latin America and aided initiatives to fight corruption and sexual exploitation within UN operations. Bolivia understands the significance of immunity for UN officials in shaky environments, but past incidents, like in the previously stated Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlight the need for stronger oversight. Bolivia aligns with countries that promote transparent mechanisms while simultaneously balancing the UN’s independence, and notes that countries that contribute troops to UN peacekeeping missions, like Bangladesh, Rwanda, and Nepal, have faced similar accountability challenges

Bolivia supports measures that maintain functional immunity but concurrently establishes clear procedures for lifting in cases of criminal activity and misconduct. A joint oversight panel, including legal experts from small and large states, should have the ability to assess jurisdictional questions, while the United Nations, host states, and home countries share the responsibility of investigations and prosecutions. Bolivia proposed mandatory pre-deployment training on local law, standard evidence preservation protocols, and a victim assistance fund financed by member states. These methods ensure accountability, protect victims, and preserve the credibility and effectiveness of UN operations.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Alayna Wigant

Position Paper: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials in the Context of Finland

I. Introduction
The question of how to ensure criminal accountability for United Nations officials has long posed a challenge for the international community. While functional immunity is necessary for the UN to operate independently and effectively, it can also create gaps in accountability when crimes—particularly serious offenses—are alleged. Finland, as a committed supporter of multilateralism, the rule of law, and international human rights standards, has consistently emphasized that legal immunity must not become impunity. This position paper outlines Finland’s legal framework, policy stance, and expectations regarding the criminal accountability of UN officials.
II. Legal Framework Governing UN Officials in Finland
1. UN Charter and Convention on Privileges and Immunities
Finland, as a UN member and a party to the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (CPINU), recognizes the immunities granted to UN officials. These include:
Functional immunity for all actions performed in their official capacity.

Broader diplomatic-style immunity for certain high-ranking officials.

Finland applies these immunities domestically as required under international law.
2. Finnish Domestic Law
Finnish law incorporates international obligations related to immunity. In practice:
Finnish authorities may open preliminary investigations to ascertain whether alleged criminal acts fall within or outside an official’s functional immunity.

If conduct is not connected to official functions, immunity does not apply, and Finnish authorities retain jurisdiction.

In cases where functional immunity might apply, Finland looks to the UN Secretary-General (or appropriate UN body) as the competent authority to waive immunity when justice requires it.

3. Commitment to International Criminal Agreements
Finland is a State Party to key international instruments, including:
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Core human rights treaties

Anti-corruption frameworks such as the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)

These reinforce Finland’s position that serious crimes cannot be shielded by immunity.
III. Finland’s Policy Position on Accountability
1. Immunity is Functional, Not a Shield for Misconduct
Finland stresses that the purpose of immunity is to protect UN operations, not to exempt individuals from responsibility. Accordingly:
Immunity must be interpreted narrowly.

Alleged criminal acts unrelated to official duties do not qualify for protection.

For serious crimes (e.g., sexual exploitation, corruption, assault), Finland advocates strongly for waiver of immunity.

2. Cooperation with UN Mechanisms
Finland supports strengthening UN internal accountability mechanisms including:
The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)

Conduct and Discipline Units (CDUs)

Information-sharing agreements between host states and the UN

Finland encourages transparent cooperation between domestic authorities and the UN to ensure impartial and effective investigations.
3. Protection of Victims and Due Process
Finland emphasizes:
Robust protections for whistleblowers and victims

Gender-sensitive procedures in cases involving sexual exploitation and abuse

The importance of fair trial rights for accused UN personnel under both UN and Finnish law

4. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)
In line with its feminist foreign policy and leadership on gender equality, Finland strongly supports the UN’s zero-tolerance policy on SEA and advocates for:
Mandatory reporting of allegations

Criminal prosecution in the appropriate jurisdiction

Support services for victims, including those abroad in peacekeeping contexts
IV. Finland’s Expectations for Reform
Finland has consistently called for reforms at the UN to close accountability gaps, including:
1. Strengthening the Immunity Waiver Process
The UN Secretary-General should adopt a more transparent and predictable standard for deciding on immunity waivers, particularly for:
Serious criminal offenses

Offenses committed outside official duties

2. Enhancing Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction
If Finnish nationals working for the UN commit crimes abroad, Finland supports applying Finnish criminal jurisdiction to ensure accountability when the host state is unable or unwilling to act.
3. Improving Reporting and Investigation Mechanisms
Finland supports:
Clear, uniform reporting pathways for allegations against UN personnel

Cooperation agreements to allow Finnish authorities access to relevant UN records

Independent oversight mechanisms with the authority to investigate misconduct

4. Compensation and Restitution for Victims
Finland advocates for:
Mechanisms within the UN system to provide compensation even when prosecution is impossible

Increased transparency about disciplinary action taken against UN personnel
V. Conclusion
Finland’s position is grounded in the belief that the legitimacy of the United Nations depends on the integrity of its personnel. While immunity remains a core requirement for the UN’s proper functioning, it cannot justify impunity. Finland therefore calls for:
Strict limitation of immunity to official functions

Waiver of immunity in cases of serious criminal conduct

Strong cooperation between Finnish authorities and the UN investigative system

Reforms to guarantee transparency, victim protection, and accountability

By upholding these principles, Finland seeks to strengthen both the UN and the rule of law globally.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Riley Dugan

Legal
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Algeria
Riley Dugan
Forest Hills Northern

The criminal accountability of UN officials highlights the limits of the diplomatic immunity granted to UN personnel. The UN employs hundreds of staff worldwide, many of whom operate in conflict zones or developing countries. The UN Legal Committee is responsible for overseeing and resolving any related issues among UN officials. In this regard, serious concerns have been raised about misconduct, corruption, exploitation, and abuse. Such acts have negatively impacted the organization’s credibility, reputation, and integrity, as well as its missions. Only 11 acts of criminal misconduct committed by UN officials have been reported to Member States, adding to the total of 342 cases reported since 2007. Algeria has expressed its concern over these crimes and instances of corruption among officials and supports the United Nations’ zero-tolerance policy toward criminal conduct. “In this respect, we reaffirm our support for the zero-tolerance policy of the United Nations concerning criminal conduct, in particular such serious crimes as sexual exploitation and abuse, financial fraud, and corruption committed by United Nations officials and experts on mission,” stated Mr. Mehdi Remaoun, First Secretary of Algeria. The UN has investigated staff, created a Conduct and Discipline Unit to track misconduct, and enabled prosecution in cooperation with Member States.
Criminal accountability of UN officials is a significant concern for Algeria, which has expressed its position at the United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee. Crimes such as sexual exploitation and abuse, financial fraud, and corruption have been documented across UN missions, and Algeria emphasizes the importance of keeping the rule of law at both national and international levels. The country regulates that UN officials must be held accountable for their actions. Algeria has established anti-corruption institutions and launched the National Transparency Network (NARACOM) to prevent misconduct and promote professional integrity. Algeria has also shown its support for implementing the UN’s zero-tolerance policy, endorsing criminal accountability while prioritizing internal measures alongside international initiatives. Furthermore, Algeria has actively engaged in advancing discussions toward an international convention on the criminal accountability of UN officials and experts on mission. As stated by Mr. Mehdi Remaoun, Algeria’s First Secretary, “Algeria reiterates its readiness to cooperate to conclude future discussions, for the last 10 years, on the proposed international convention on criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on missions.” Algeria demonstrates a strong security-focused approach to accountability, not only within its borders but also in cooperation with other nations. To date, there are no public records of UN officials being criminally prosecuted in Algeria
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria asserts that immunity among officials does not mean immediate exemption from consequences. This means that the host state ensures that there is jurisdiction over crimes, mandatory cooperation between the UN and authorities. Immunity shall be waived in such extreme cases, such as sexual exploitation, abuse, corruption, and fraud. Home states must prosecute officials who abuse their immunity in other countries, and repercussions must be met. Finally, ensuring that no UN official is above the law, obligations are met in home states, transparency is maintained, and global networks among the states are established, will create a stronger international community to address criminal accountability of UN officials.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Pradham Nalam

Pradham Nalam
The Russian Federation
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Legal Committee
Forest Hills Central High School

Corruption stems from greed. Greed stems from human nature. However, when working for global stability and peace, greed and corruption are the moving factors that deny many innocent lives the resources they deserve. The United Nations is an organization that oversees global stability, and it is the only organization with the power to help maintain and protect the peace as we know it. As such, it is the UN’s duty and responsibility to manage itself accordingly for the good of the people. Corruption and immoral acts committed by UN officials have to be monitored and judged without bias, and if found guilty, a sentence worthy of the crime should be imposed. Corruption in the UN today has many branches that vary from immoral to extremely harmful. The Russian delegation recommends that the Legal Committee form a way of weighing these crimes to impose punishments accurately. Modern-day corruption in the UN includes activities such as contract fraud, bribery, and lucrative contracts through local governments. Although these are only a few of the problems I intend to cover in committee, they are major highlights of what we have to fix. These aspects of corruption exist all over the UN. According to Wikipedia, multiple scenarios where the UN Security Council has been proven to be committing bribery or fraud have been cited. This proves that corruption may also exist in many areas that one may not even suspect.

As the delegation of Russia, I plan to address corruption not only in the UN, but corruption at the national level, as well, which may be a contributing factor towards immoral actions in the UN, which is run by many other national interests. Russia, by any means, is also not in a corruption-free area to weigh in on this matter, but I believe that our stance on this matter will also greatly help us as a nation and as a prime member of the UN. Russia ranks 154th in the corruption index among 180 countries according to transparency.org. Evidence proves that corruption has been on the rise in Russia since its lowest in 2020. To decrease these numbers and create a better standard of living for our citizens, the Russian Federation. encourages the Legal committee to initiate a resolution that tackles not only the problems that exist, but also the origins of these problems, so that these types of issues will not occur again.

The UN has to stand as a role model since it is considered the only universal global organization that works to help and maintain peace for all. This issue needs to be resolved for future generations and their prosperity in society. The Russian Fed. will stand and act with anyone who agrees with its values. We are willing to take the opportunity to help all nations, as well as request help from them as well to resolve this painstaking issue.

Sources

https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_the_United_Nations

https://www.un.org/en/global-issues

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Dimitri Hong

Committee: GA 6 Legal 

Delegation: Türkiye 

The UN relies on three pillars for its mission. The first pillar is peace and security, which tries to prevent conflict throughout the world through peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding after conflict ends (Pillars). The second pillar is human rights which through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 declared in article 5 and 16 that family is the natural and fundamental group of society and no one shall be treated with cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (Pillars, Universal). Another part of the UDHR in article 10 declares that everybody should have access to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal (Universal). Pillar three is development which tries to increase the standard of living to increase freedoms for people (Pillars). These three pillars are slowly losing support due to loss of trust from the public due to misconduct by UN officials and peacekeepers. The UN states that they have zero tolerance for misconduct by UN officials. The UN will investigate misconduct when committed by UN staff, volunteers, contractors and personnel on any mission (Conduct). The UN can also investigate national military personnel if the country they come from does not investigate those accused (Conduct). If personnel who are accused are found guilty, they will be forced to leave or be reprimanded and can have their immunity removed (Conduct). If the misconduct counts as a crime in their home country, the UN will assist in prosecution of the accused through referring allegations to nations (Conduct). But countries that have jurisdiction over these peacekeeper forces will not prosecute because of the low amount of evidence in a conflict zone and political implications (Freedman). The UN also does not have a fully followed or specific guideline on what qualifies as sexual abuse which makes it much harder to uphold international law (Freedman). In a 10-year time span from 2004-2014 there were over 2000 sexual exploitation and abuse cases in the UN and that only counts the ones investigated by the UN (Bah). This report is a symbol of the UN’s failure to protect the citizens of conflict-torn areas and then let the protector-turned-abuser walk free (Bah). As one convicted rapist said that the abuser has much more power over the victim and that the UN made a system where sex with young girls was allowed (Bah). Adding to this, many victims are scared and ashamed to report their abuse, which is why less than 40% of victims of violence seek any help and less than 10% seeking help go to authorities (Bah). Whistleblowers then have a hard time reporting these incidents due to the fact they aren’t protected from retaliation, and many in the UN are afraid of retaliation with 57% of UN’s staff in UN Joint Inspection Unit saying that the UN does not have a strong whistleblower culture (Maslen). Whistleblowers are always the most important part of any organization to root out corruption when other establishments fail, but when they are discouraged, it lets corruption and misconduct go unreported (Maslen). The process for whistleblowing is also extremely complicated with each branch having their own way of reporting misconduct and guidelines and only 2/6 branches making channels known to whistle blow externally (Maslen). Retaliation is always a big concern for whistleblowing in the UN (Maslen). Over 12.8% believed they were dismissed due to retaliation of whistleblowing, and many staff in the UN believed that the UN has no true protections for whistleblowers (Maslen). The Secretary General controls the Ethics Office funding and office posts, and their dependence on other branches has been abused by senior staff to avoid accountability and mitigate damage to the reputation of the UN (Maslen). Around 45% of the UN’s workforce are contracted so if they do report an issue, it is much harder to get another contract with the UN because retaliation to whistleblowing is not being defined well enough (Maslen, Bah). Peacekeepers and prostitution have a positive correlation which makes sense because of the money that originations and peacekeepers bring in through contracts (Kasztelan). But even when these peacekeepers resolve the problem in a conflict area the sex work economy stays which stabilizes prostitution and trafficking in the country’s economy (Bah). Misconduct done by the UN is not just sexual abuse it is also corruption through money for example the Oil for Food program which allowed sale Iraq to sell their oil illegally and many states and UN staff knew about these illegal transactions but did not report on it (Otterman). Then most recently UN staff has been accused of demanding bribes from Iraqi companies to give them a more favorable position for contracts. Most of those transactions were done in person, so it was harder to report, and these cases of misconduct gives the world more reasons why the UN is ineffective at their job (Folytn).

Türkiye is one of the founding members of the UN and since the creation of the UN, we have tried to follow its principles through our foreign policy. Even before the end of World War II we supported the idea of a multilateral organization which was the League of Nations, and our main goal is to seek a fair world system in the UN (Gök). Since the creation of peacekeeping operations in 1948, we believe that it is one of the most important systems to maintain peace and worldwide stability, and we have participated in 7 peacekeeping missions (Türkiye’s). We have also helped in places without a UN mandate like in Kosovo highlighting our focus on humanitarian protection of the innocent (Gök). Recently, Türkiye has been focusing on mediation as one of the major solutions for conflict resolution (Gök). However, Türkiye believes that UN must be reformed, which would include the UNSC, ECOSOC, the Secretariat, and making a Human Rights Council (Turkey’s). Türkiye also believes that peacekeeping must be more effective, which would require a military reserve and a civilian police reserve to be ready to maintain law and be ready if diplomacy fails (Turkey’s). Then we believe that a peacebuilding commission should be made to make peacebuilding effective and useful for the conflict area. This would centralize peacebuilding in general, which will help keep peacekeepers in check on corruption and misconduct. (Turkey’s).

The Delegation of Türkiye believes that the way to help lower misconduct is by making whistleblowing easier, more centralized, and fair. This would require the UN to give the Ethics Office its own independence from the Secretariat and then make whistleblowing in one centralized mode through anonymous reporting to prevent pre-biases of their reports. Then after reports are sent to the Ethics Office, they can review the credibility and provide an option for the whistleblower to list their name. With or without the name, the claim would be considered, and the UN would also make their work culture more open to whistleblowers and stop retaliation. This would require work meetings to discuss how retaliation for whistleblowing is not one of our values. For the accountability of UN officials, the Delegation of Türkiye believes we must allow immunity. But the Ethics Office and ICJ should work on what qualifies under immunity and what does not, which would bring much insight to a very debated topic. Then if they declare an action as not qualifying under immunity, the delegation of Türkiye believes that they should be put on trial and if found guilty should serve a sentence. This would require a major reform of the UN, creating a new organ or another sector of the ICJ which would hold prisoners and make them serve sentences. The reason the Delegation of Türkiye believes this would work is because this punishment would pressure countries to pursue cases. This would only apply to UN officials, but for peacekeepers they must be detained if caught or accused of misconduct. They would then be prosecuted through mobile courts with a jury of 3 peacekeepers in their mission and 3 civilians from the region where the area occurred. This would hopefully make the trial somewhat fair, and the jury would swiftly decide culpability of the suspect while still giving justice. Lastly, if guilty, the peacekeeper will be dismissed from their post and forced to pay reparation for their crimes or face punishment if the country abides by it. The Delegation of Türkiye also believes another solution would be by providing only the bare basics for these peacekeepers instead of giving more money than needed so that they cannot use and abuse the people of the conflict zone they should be protecting. Also, we could give payment after the mission so they cannot use this money to abuse the citizens they should be protecting. We must also try to make victims’ stories heard and understood, and this could be done through peacekeepers that know the language of the conflict zone asking the populace about any misconduct that any UN forces have done and then giving warning signs of abuse to these citizens.

Work Cited:

Criminal Accountability of UN Officials

Gök, Gonca Oğuz. “The UN System and Türkiye on Its 80th Anniversary: Quest for Peace through Multilateralism, Commentaries Gonca Oğuz Gök | Insight Turkey.” The UN System and Türkiye on Its 80th Anniversary: Quest for Peace through Multilateralism, 10 Apr. 2025, www.insightturkey.com/commentaries/the-un-system-and-turkiye-on-its-80th-anniversary-quest-for-peace-through-multilateralism.

“Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Turkey´s Priorities for the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly / Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025, www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey_s-priorities-for-the-60th-session-of-the-united-nations-general-assembly.en.mfa.

“Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Türkiye’s Approach and Contributions to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations / Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mfa.gov.tr/turkiye_s-approach-and-contributions-to-the-united-nations-peacekeeping-operations.en.mfa. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

“The 3 Pillars of the United Nations.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/3-pillars-united-nations. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

Wheeler, Skye. “UN Peacekeeping Has a Sexual Abuse Problem.” Human Rights Watch, 11 Jan. 2020, www.hrw.org/news/2020/01/11/un-peacekeeping-has-sexual-abuse-problem.

“Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

“Conduct and Discipline Factsheet.” International Peace Institute, Dec. 2020, www.ipinst.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Conduct-and-Discipline-Factsheet.pdf.

Freedman, Rosa. “Unaccountable: A New Approach to Peacekeepers and Sexual Abuse | European Journal of International Law | Oxford Academic.” Oxford Academy , 28 Aug. 2018, academic.oup.com/ejil/article/29/3/961/5165638?login=false.

Maslen, Caitlin. “Whistleblower Protection at the United Nations.” Transparency International, 15 Dec. 2021, knowledgehub.transparency.org/assets/uploads/kproducts/whistleblower-protection-at-the-UN_PR_v3.pdf.

Bah, Tamara. “The Worst-Kept Open Secret: Sexual Abuse Crimes Perpetrated by UN Peacekeepers: We Need Criminal Accountability, Not Guidelines, and Blind Eyes.” HKS Student Policy Review, 11 Sept. 2023, studentreview.hks.harvard.edu/the-worst-kept-open-secret-sexual-abuse-crimes-perpetrated-by-un-peacekeepers-we-need-criminal-accountability-not-guidelines-and-blind-eyes/.

Kasztelan, Marta. “Her Name IS UNTAC: UN Peacekeepers’ Forgotten Children in Cambodia – New Naratif.” New Naratif, 2022, newnaratif.com/her-name-is-untac-un-peacekeepers-forgotten-children-in-cambodia/.

Otterman, Sharon. “Iraq: Oil for Food Scandal.” Council on Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, 28 Oct. 2005, www.cfr.org/backgrounder/iraq-oil-food-scandal.

Folytn, Simona. “UN Staff on £1.5bn Iraq Aid Project ‘Demanding Bribes.’” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 22 Jan. 2024, www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/22/united-nations-development-programme-undp-bribery-claims-iraq-aid-project.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: China
Delegate Name: Owen Hufnagel

Legal Committee
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
People’s Republic of China
Owen Hufnagel
Forest Hills Eastern
The People’s Republic of China believes that the highest standards of conduct for UN officials, peacekeepers, and experts on mission are paramount and that investigations into corruption, exploitation, and abuse are essential. China acknowledges these horrendous acts as attempts to mar the UN’s reputation and do severe damage to victims, often women and children from developing nations. Yet the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations provides a proper framework for such officials to exercise their positions without excessive political intervention. Therefore, there is a precedent that balances UN independence while simultaneously creating accountability through comprehensive, consistent, and collaborative action by states. China appreciates the Secretary-General’s report (A/78/129), which outlines the lack of reporting, investigation, and data visibility, and therefore calls for action on these fronts to support rebuilding efforts.
China believes that criminal accountability should be endorsed while respecting national sovereignty and international law. In addition, home member states should be the route for prosecution, as General Assembly Resolution 62/63 supports citizenship-based intervention, encouraging member states to exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed on international territory and to sanction officials while in their positions at the UN. Not that host member states should intervene to create any form of impunity on their territory; yet, when jurisdictional issues arise, an extra burden should not be placed upon host member states. Ultimately, the UN cannot act as an adjudicatory body because its mandate does not permit it to do so; it may act only as an investigative body through the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and by referral to the home state or standardized cooperative means. China would welcome such a bolstered effort through the currently established understanding between the UN and troop-contributing countries to ensure timely investigations and the implementation of sanctions in line with home states’ policies.
Going forward, reforms should include reasonable measures to increase transparency, coordination, and prevention without jeopardizing state sovereignty or politicizing data. Member states should implement stronger domestic legislation that clarifies an offense on paper from in situ officials operating under a UN mandate. There should be a more standardized reporting process through the UN: one that requires a response from the Secretary-General based on findings by a member state, enabling prompt collection of information to protect victims and ensure due process. In addition, there should be increased training for all UN officials, in particular, awareness training for sexual exploitation and abuse, appropriate training for operations, and cultural nuances. Finally, cooperation, not confrontation, is key in the future; upholding the principle that no one is above the law means respecting sovereignty and the rule of law to advocate for victimized populations while safeguarding the UN’s reputation and legitimacy.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Harnoor Bath

Legal
Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Federal Republic of Germany
Harnoor Bath
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Criminal accountability of UN officials is a prevalent issue that has occurred throughout the UN. Globally, criminal accountability is a pressing issue because the existing legal and political problems and crimes have resulted in impunity. Malaysia has reported 11 cases of criminal acts, bringing the total to 342 offences committed since 2007. Though this has happened, organizations such as the Office of Internal Oversight Services have conducted investigations into misconduct in the system and provided insight into solutions. Criminal accountability within the United Nations is an important topic to address because it maintains credibility and integrity and ensures that UN officials are aware of their consequences. Learning from its complex past, Germany’s emphasis on criminal accountability stems from a history of unjust acts committed against civilians and righting what they have done wrong in the past. Due to this, Germany advocates global accountability of crimes through the International Criminal Court (ICC). Further, the United Nations established the Policy on Accountability for Conduct and Discipline in Field Missions to set out a framework to address misconduct in peacekeeping operations and political missions.

Germany is concerned with the effectiveness of criminal accountability. By reaffirming the UN policy on “zero-tolerance,” Germany regards misconduct by officials to ensure that there is no leniency. Germany, especially, is concerned with preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). Since 1990, reports of approximately 2,000 allegations are known, many of which involved child victims. This is an important focus since sexual abuse is a current issue and degrades an organization’s integrity and relationship with communities. Because of this, Germany is a major contributor to the UN Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, making sure that victims are provided direct assistance such as medical care, psychological support, and legal services. Furthermore, we have urged all Member States to establish jurisdiction under their laws regarding crime. This guarantees that impunity is prevented by ensuring that certain UN officials abroad can be prosecuted for their crimes. Germany has implemented the Code of Crime to handle crime. They established the German Penal Code (Strafgesetzbuch (StGB)) to define criminal offenses such as theft, bodily harm, and homicide. For serious crimes, Germany’s Code of Crimes against International Law (Völkerstrafgesetzbuch (VStGB)) allows German courts to prosecute crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression whether or not the official was within the nation or abroad. These many codes of conduct ensure that Germany handles crimes with integrity and aids the international system in improving how it handles these situations.

The Federal Republic of Germany encourages the United Nations to hold officials accountable for their actions and provide aid to the victims to ensure the integrity of the organization and keep good relations with local communities. Germany views the lack of criminal accountability as a pressing issue that can be solved by acknowledging the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and establishing jurisdiction. We see that the primary responsibility is held by the Member States and their thoroughness in investigating their nationals. Along with this, the UN should work with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) to conduct investigations and prosecutions, and the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to investigate allegations of misconduct and criminal activity. Germany is willing to donate money to aid victims of misconduct and ensure that the United Nations views this pressing issue with urgency.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Alexander McBride

Name: Alexander McBride
Country: Italy
Committee: LEGAL
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
School: Williamston High School

The criminal accountability of United Nations officials has come into question more recently with UN missions to Haiti, Central African Republic, and the Demecratic Republic of the Congo, with allegations against UN personnel in these nations committing acts from bribery to sexual abuse. These UN officials have immunity to the local laws of the nations deployed to, as to prevent political interference with their operations. While the UN hopes most of their personnel refuse to partake in this kind of behavior, the UN officials that choose to abuse their legal protection to pray on the broken spirits of these nations need to be taken care of to truly help the nations in turmoil.
The Italian Republic in the past has recognized the need for the legal immunity of UN Officials to permit them to conduct their operations effectively, however, Italy has stated its support for these immunities to be removed in order to persecute officials accused of the crimes listed earlier. Italy also understands that those who have committed crimes against humanity, and those who have broken international law need to be punished, without the use of the death penalty.
The Italian Republic is a member state of the European Union, which has published a statement on this topic on October 9th, 2025. This statement clarifies that the United Nations should use the EU’s own Zero-Talerance policy towards this kind of criminal offenses. This statement also recognizes that the rights and interests of victims and whistle-blowers are a necessary part of any functional judicial system, and should be protected. The EU states here that the UN should have prevention measures and retaliatory actions. The UN should look into the past of the personnel it’s sending on these missions. The EU details that the UN should look for other acts of misconduct by personnel, such as racism. The many different organizations of the UN should share this type of information and any other similar reports to the rest of the UN. The EU states that the states sending in personnel to the UN should also go through and check them just as the EU wants the UN to check personnel already serving the United Nations. The European Union also supports the ClearCheck database in the weeding out of unwanted candidates. The EU wants to expand this database while preserving the rights of the officials. The United Nations should conduct a timely investigation of every credible allegation against one of its officials. The United Nations is to take all allegations very seriously, and investigate fully. The EU states that the nation of which the offender in question is from has the primary responsibility of trying them fairly, The EU also says that nations should strive to strengthen their sharing of information regarding the offence of UN personnel with the UN, including the host nation and other nations. Italy welcomes any other countries willing to cooperate to help improve the quality of workers carrying out United Nations Missions.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Kazakhstan
Delegate Name: Rowan Babbage

Country: Kazakhstan
Committee: LEGAL
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Delegate: Rowan Babbage
School: Williamston High School

United Nations (UN) officials in the past have had undefined criminal accountability. When offences are committed by a UN official, there are few defined ways to bring them to justice. Due to some allegations in Haiti, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding misconduct by UN officials, the criminal accountability of UN officials has become subject to international attention. Recently, in 2023, the UN held a General Assembly to determine the fate of UN officials charged with misconduct in countries where they were acting as peacekeepers.
Kazakhstan supports punishment from the offended nation in relation to criminal accountability of UN officials. There have not been any criminal UN officials who have been active in Kazakhstan, but Kazakhstan is concerned by the allegations in Haiti and other countries. Kazakhstan is quite reasonable in its punishments for criminals; the death penalty has been formally abolished in Kazakhstan since 2021. In 2023, the UN passed a resolution paper regarding the criminal accountability of UN officials, which dictated that UN officials will be prosecuted by the country in which they committed the offence they were accused of while performing their peacekeeping duties. This resolution also upheld the previous dictates of a 2005 UN assembly. Kazakhstan identifies with this resolution.
Kazakhstan would like to resolve this issue by upholding the resolution to let the countries that have been affected by criminal UN officials determine said officials’ fate. To respect the UN’s immunity and independence, Kazakhstan proposes a joint system of punishment, where the UN takes part in the sentencing of the offending official. This proposed solution would allow the affected country to prosecute the offender, as has been determined in past resolutions, but would also let the UN be independent from said country’s restrictions. This resolution lets the offender be prosecuted fairly and lets the country affected maintain their independence from the UN. Kazakhstan believes that it will find allies in this solution with South Africa, which supports government action against UN criminal officials.

Works Cited
Motsepe, Keke. “Statement on behalf of the Republic of South Africa.” United Nations, 2023, https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/78/pdfs/statements/criminal_accountability/08mtg_southafrica.pdf. Accessed 24 11 2025.
United Nations. “Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission.” United Nations Document Viewer, 2023, https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/78/102. Accessed 24 11 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Caitlyn Leahy

Country: South Africa
Delegate: Caitlyn Leahy
School: Williamston High School
Committee: Legal
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials

Peacekeepers play an important role in the United Nations(UN) and maintaining world peace. One of the ways UN Peacekeepers and officials can continue to operate in different countries and under many governments is by giving them special legal protections so local governments cannot interfere with their missions. Unfortunately, some soldiers use their privilege and legal protections as a way to get away with their crimes. Specifically, there are many allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation among UN officials, including almost four hundred sexual assault allegations in 2023. Bribery and corruption are also common accusations against UN soldiers, which makes the UN appear untrustworthy. Some of the most alarming allegations are of peacekeepers in the Congo, Haiti, and the Central African Republic exchanging sexual favors from young girls for food and small sums of money. The responsibility of punishing sex offenders in the UN usually lies with the individuals’ home country, but they are often ignored by the government so the country’s reputation is not hurt in the UN. The violent and unethical actions of peacekeepers and the UN’s failure to hold them properly accountable tarnishes the reputation of the UN and contradicts the entire purpose of the United Nations to create peace.
As previously stated, a majority of the responsibility to punish individuals who break the law while they are affiliated with the UN lies with the country of their origin. Soldiers from South Africa who are accused of sexual assault and other crimes are regularly called back to South Africa where they are investigated by the government and must answer for their crimes. Although a majority of the UN peacekeepers are stationed in Africa, there are very few in South Africa due to its political stability. South Africa contributes almost two-thousand UN peacekeepers, the fifteenth most contributing country in the UN.
South Africa believes that in order to reduce the amount of criminal activity in the UN, both the individuals who commit these crimes and the higher up authorities must be reprimanded harshly from the UN itself. South Africa believes that in order to discourage these activities the punishments must be severe and that those who commit crimes in the UN not only be fired but also tried in an international court. South Africa also thinks that enforcing curfew rules and rules against fraternalizing would improve control over the soldiers whereabouts and reduce the amount of crime. South Africa believes that balancing the local governments’ sovereignty and freedom along with making sure the UN’s commitment to justice is being handled appropriately is the key to fixing this issue. It is open to working with many different countries to work out a resolution, including other African countries where these crimes are being committed.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Colton Kolka

Country: Indonesia
Delagate: Colton Kolka
School: Williamston High School
Committee: Legal
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials

With global outreach and connectivity at an all time high, the rate of crime and assualt in foreign nations committed by United Nations (UN) officials is higher than ever. According to the United Nations, in 2020, around 100 sexual exploitations and abuse allegations were recieved. Assaults were happening during missions, especially the one to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as it was responsible for 90% of said allegations. Although UN officials have some legal protections, those protections are in place to ensure their mission is being enacted to its fullest extent, not placing officials above the law, free to do whatever they please. Officials who break the set standards must be held accountable, if not for pure moral reasons but for the survivors sake, to help them start the healing process. The UN has made an effort into providing a legal framework for the process of criminal accountabilty but detail could be pushed further.

Indonesia has committed to helping victims of crime and working to end officials who abuse their position. Indonesia helped establish a protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (PSEAH) network through the United Nations in Indonesia. This helped network resources to multiple areas, giving survivors many options in many places on where to go to report abuse. PSEAH has worked to inform and train UN members against sexual exploitation and abuse to further prevent the spread of assualts. PSEAH also centers around the survivor, assuring they get the help they need and justice will get served. Indonesia has also backed UN proposals for a legal framework convention to provide accountability for criminal officials.

Indonesia is committing to a zero-tolerance approach to help end sexual explotation and abuse. Indonesia believes transparency and a clear, consise, legal framework is needed for the process of holding UN officials accountable. A listed course of action for discipline and the consequences of actions would thoroughly get the job done. Without this, the option for offenders to stay in a cycle of abuse and go unchecked is very possible and that does not stop abuse and bring justice for survivors. Responsibility for punishment should mainly lie with the offender’s home country to protect national sovereignty but a framework should be followed to ensure action is taken and justice is served. Indonesia looks to work with its allies in the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other willing countries. The line of legal protection v.s. crime committed needs to be drawn clearly and when sexual exploitation and abuse is involved there is no room for error.

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: France
Delegate Name: Lee Gerring

Delegate: Lee Gerring
Committee: Legal
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: France
School: Williamston High School

It’s no secret that the logistics behind holding UN officials accountable for their actions internationally is difficult to completely tackle. As of recent, more and more accusations of UN officials conducting their matters unprofessionally while operating internationally have come to light. With that, questions of the standards that UN officials are supposedly held to have been brought into question. Because of the unique position that many UN officials find themselves in, they have graciously been granted a set of immunities, given the wide array of differing laws that they may encounter as they work internationally. However, with these immunities, it becomes more difficult to fully persecute officials for the more serious accusations against them. Specifically, issues continue to arise with peacekeepers stationed in Haiti, and even within internal UN agencies, and the question of how to handle these matters is being called into consideration to find a solution without infringing upon a country’s sovereignty. ‘

France holds a very strong position on this topic. As a leading nation, France holds a firm policy of holding UN states accountable for the actions of their officials. Furthermore, France holds itself to the responsibility of persecuting their own UN officials within their jurisdiction. France has been a primary supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and their emphasis on the need for international cooperation to fully hold UN officials to the same lawful standards. France, in the past, has taken it upon itself to hold their own officials accountable for the actions they commit internationally that may break French law, and continues to plan on holding this same standard in the future.

In recent years, France has especially upheld its ideals of holding UN officials accountable, with a recent case involving three former Syrian officials. The French courts took it upon themselves to sentence these officials for their complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the trial of a former spokesman and alleged senior official of the armed rebel group Jaysh al-Islam is currently underway before the Paris Criminal Court. France understands the standards UN officials must hold themselves to and continues to follow through on that commitment. On the same end, France proves that it plans to continue their role in holding officials accountable who work under their name. For example, in the case of former French official Didier Bourguet, he was accused of having been raping girls in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To make it a point of holding their own citizens officials, France made sure Bourget was persecuted and sentenced by French courts and judges. France will continue to hold firm to the belief that the UN should have the opportunity to lay out specific guidelines for which UN officials must hold themselves, and that when breaking these guidelines, they must be properly dealt with by their domestic state. However, France does still believe in many of the immunities that UN officials should continue to keep. With this, should come a comprehensive legal framework to completely clarify under what circumstances which member states can exert their jurisdiction over UN officials. France plans to be completely transparent and collaborative on this matter, so this committee can come to a comprehensive resolution for what it means to truly hold an international worker accountable. France hopes to work with many countries on this matter, specifically with those within the European Union and NATO.

Sources

https://onu.delegfrance.org/true-to-its-commitment-to-justice-france-gives-its-full-support-to-the-icj

The Worst-Kept Open Secret: Sexual Abuse Crimes Perpetrated by UN Peacekeepers: We need criminal accountability, not guidelines, and blind eyes.

https://onu.delegfrance.org/france-reiterates-the-security-council-s-responsibility-to-place-the-protection

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Izzy Sheppard

Delegate: Izzy Sheppard
School: Williamston High School
Committee: Legal Committee
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Argentine Republic

Holding UN officials accountable for misconduct and crimes, is a very concerning and real issue. In recent years, the reported number of UN official misconduct and crimes has steadily risen, with cases ranging from bribery, to sexual assault. The UN is composed of a number of bodies, specialized groups, and aid based organizations, and their deployment of these groups into developing, or war stricken nations allows for opportunities for corruption and misconduct to occur. In 2024 alone there were 724 allegations against UN officials across the globe, with 90% being towards the UN operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. While this may only seem to affect a small area, or group, it raises several alarms, and red flags, and highlights the need for more clarity on how to prosecute, identify, and bring justice to those affected by this heinous abuse of power. The solution to this rests on the UN’s ability to balance on the fine line of respecting local laws, applying international law, and strictly adhering to mission standards and goals, while still allowing enough legal leeway and flexibility for UN officials to do what is necessary to provide aid and complete their designated mission.
The Argentine Republic has fortunately not experienced many of these issues. The largest scandal has been that pertaining to the sexual assault and misconduct by an Argentine UN official, Luis Maria Gomez. Gomez assaulted staff member Catherine Claxton in his office. Claxton pressed charges, won, and due to the allegations, Gomez resigned. Additionally, the Argentine Republic has supported a letter to the UN written by representatives of El Salvador on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) addressing the growing need for further discussion and development of policy to bring accountability and justice to the severe abuse of power, and criminal actions of UN officials.
Moving forward, the Argentine Republic finds that the best course of action is to attempt to clearly define how crimes should be prosecuted, and where the prosecution should take place. UN officials often experience a certain degree of comfortable legal immunity, which is intended to allow them to achieve their mission in a certain area without having to “jump through the hoops” of the local law enforcement. While this is a fair and reasonable advantage that UN officials experience, it also impedes justice when it comes to accountability. The Argentine Republic believes that by discussing the balance of power between immunity, and local law, the best solution can be found. Argentina would support resolutions that look to define immunity, and establish where, if misconduct occurs, should it be prosecuted. It must be kept in mind that the Argentine Republic believes that individual nations should be able to prosecute certain crimes in the state or nation in which they occur, as to bring the full force of justice for such a grievous abuse of power, and source of corruption. The UN is meant to be a body of nations, to support nations, not lead to further corruption, abuse, and mistreatment of the means by which the UN uses to complete good, and honorable missions across the globe.

Works Cited:

Chesler, Phyllis. “Rape in High Places.” On The Issues, 10 Apr. 1995, https://ontheissuesmagazine.com/violence/__trashed/ . Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

El Salvador. “Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on
Mission.” Received by The United Nations, Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Argentine Republic, 5AD, https://enaun.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/criminal-accountability-united-nations-officials-and-experts-mission-0 . Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

The United Nations. “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: UN Intensifying Efforts to Uphold Victims’ Rights .” UN News, 26 Mar. 2024, https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148016 .

Topic: 2025 – Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski

Committee: LEGAL
Topic: Criminal Accountability of UN Officials
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski
School: Forest Hills Northern

One of the United Nation’s main purposes is to maintain international peace and security. Since its founding it has upheld this principle by employing thousands of UN workers to operate in conflict zones and developing countries to solve humanitarian issues between nations. In order to ensure they can perform their duties without fear of coercion or pressure from individual member states, UN officials are granted immunity from legal process for words spoken or written and from all acts performed while working in other nations. This allows them to do their work without being held accountable for actions that may be illegal in individual member states. Immunity is necessary for the UN to carry out its actions. However, in recent years, concern has risen about just how far that immunity goes. There have been hundreds of cases in several countries where this immunity has permitted UN officials to engage in morally wrongful acts such as corruption, exploitation, and abuse without consequences. Specifically Haiti, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have brought this issue into the light. Thus, raises the controversy of how to allow UN officials to carry out their duties, while balancing the length that their immunity should go.
Although the criminal accountability of UN officials is not a major issue in Ukraine, it is still impacting Ukraine due to its impact on the globe. Ukraine believes in full criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts, as their “special status” should not protect them from criminal actions. As is already evident, when officials aren’t held accountable it creates a dangerous world full of fear from these untouchable administrators. Ukraine has in past years urged cooperation between the UN and individual member states to facilitate investigations of crimes. However, this is a short-term solution and it needs a larger fix. Ukraine stands behind the belief that no one is above the law and there should be zero-tolerance for any crime. The biggest concern Ukraine has is the process and effectiveness of international justice mechanisms, specifically the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold UN officials accountable.
At the 67th session of the UN General Assembly, the Delegation of Ukraine stated, “All Member States should focus on closer cooperation between themselves and with the United Nations with the aim to facilitate due investigations of the crimes.” This is what need to be done to ensure that UN officials are held accountable to their actions. Investigations by either the ICC or the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) need to be done on a regular basis to keep UN officials from engaging in criminal activity. For removing their immunity all together is not an option. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of deaths and injuries due to deliberate attacks against United Nations peacekeeping missions. Over 3,000 Blue Helmets dead. Thus, the Nations cannot drop protective measures. Officials need to be accountable, yes, but they must also be safe.

Position papers for GLIMUN 2025 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.