The United Nations says it is investigating new allegations that UN peacekeepers sexually abused four underage girls in the capital of Central African Republic.
The spokesman for the UN secretary-general says the investigation is looking into how many peacekeepers were involved. Stephane Dujarric did not say how many troop-contributing countries had peacekeepers accused in the allegations. The UN is asking the countries to immediately investigate.
The new allegations follow a series of sexual abuse allegations against UN peacekeepers last year in Central African Republic, which has suffered years of sectarian violence.
The UN says a fact-finding mission is under way.
The UN does not name countries whose peacekeepers are accused in sexual misconduct, but UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said he intends to start doing so this year.
