A/HRC/33/63 highlighted the almost complete lack of medical services. There is virtually no psychosocial support in the country. 80. MINUSCA and international partners continue to support the implementation of highly labour-intensive projects with the aim of rebuilding social cohesion among divided communities and injecting money into the local economy. The Independent Expert noted the positive impact of these activities and encouraged similar initiatives to boost the economy. I. Violations attributed to the international forces 81. Further allegations of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse by international forces have been made in 2016. 82. During the reporting period, MINUSCA documented 21 cases of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse allegedly committed by international forces against children. In 19 of these cases, the violations were attributed to MINUSCA peacekeepers, including 7 alleged rapes of girls between 11 and 17 years of age. 83. The United Nations system, including MINUSCA and the Member States, has recognized the importance of effectively combating sexual exploitation and abuse, and has taken urgent steps to minimize the risk of sexual violence, including by confining contingents. The Independent Expert welcomes the appointment in February 2016 of Ms. Jane Holl Lute as Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. 84. Since early 2016, MINUSCA has reaffirmed its full commitment to the SecretaryGeneral’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and has demonstrated its determination that each allegation be thoroughly investigated, that assistance be provided for the victims, and that the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions. 85. Following the allegations brought to the attention of the Member States of the international contingents and forces concerned, several States dispatched teams of national investigators to inquire into the allegations and to consider measures for the protection of victims. 86. The Independent Expert took note of the decision by the United Nations system to repatriate a national contingent involved in confirmed allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of women and girls at Bambari. She recalled that the contingents deployed in the Central African Republic had an important mandate to protect civilians, and supported the measures taken against soldiers who seemingly failed to respect that mandate. 87. Victims are at the centre of the response to these violations. All partners that met with the Independent Expert agreed on the principle of non-discrimination in assisting the victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators. The Independent Expert urges that this assistance should seek to improve existing social, medical and legal services for all victims. 88. The Independent Expert continues to encourage all national and international stakeholders to recognize the principle of “do no harm” in relation to the victims’ interests, and to ensure that they are treated sensitively and with respect for the confidentiality of information, thus guarding against stigmatization. 14 GE.16-12727