UN receives new claims of Central African Republic sex abuse

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic says it has received new allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by U.N. and non-U.N. forces as well as civilians.

A mission statement said the alleged incidents took place in Kemo prefecture, east of the capital Bangui, in 2014 and 2015.

The mission said Friday a U.N. team will be rapidly deployed to the area to investigate and to ensure that victims have been assisted.

A U.N. peacekeeping spokesman said no details were available yet on the nationalities of the alleged perpetrators.

Earlier this month, the Security Council approved its first-ever resolution tackling the escalating problem of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers who act as predators when sent to protect civilians in some of the world's most volatile areas.