UN to probe Liberian sex crimes

Many civilians were sexually abused during the war

The United Nations has began a study to determine the extent of sexual abuse among the civilian population during Liberia's 14-year civil war.

UN human rights officer Awa Dabo says the findings will be handed to the proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Some 4,000 people have been targeted by the three-month project.

The project's initial findings indicate that a large part of the population experienced some form of sexual abuse.

Help for victims

"We have young girls who have been infected with Aids. We are finding that men were also victims of sexual violence," said the UN Development Programme's Ms Dabo.

She said the abuses ranged from rape, including gang rape and child rape, to being stripped and put on public display.

The project will be implemented by the National Human Rights Centre of Liberia.

"The international community is providing funds to assist the ex-combatants. They will get money, medical treatment, skills training and food for their reintegration into society," said Ms Dabo.

"The question remains, what specialized assistance is needed for their victims?"

She said the monitors were only gathering data on abuses that occurred between December 1989 and August 2003 when the Accra Peace Agreement was signed.

That deal ending the civil war recommended the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission but interim leader Gyude Bryant has not moved to set one up, arguing it could jeopardise the fragile peace.