Whereas United Nations peacekeeping missions aim to establish conditions for peace and stability in countries impacted by conflict; Whereas United Nations peacekeepers are tasked with monitoring and observing peace processes, assisting in the implementation of peace agreements, and facilitating electoral support and development, among other things; Whereas United Nations peacekeepers have the sacred responsibility to protect vulnerable populations such as women and children with integrity and in accordance with established rules of engagement and applicable laws; Whereas over the last two decades, with bipartisan support and under administrations of both parties, the United States has used its permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to authorize peacekeeping missions in order to promote stability abroad and safeguard United States interests; Whereas there are nearly 115,000 uniformed and civilian personnel currently serving on 16 missions across four continents, with the vast majority of those peacekeeping personnel serving honorably; Whereas a number of United Nations peacekeepers have faced allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation against local populations, including sex-trafficking, rape, and other forms of inexcusable physical and emotional abuse; Whereas such allegations have mainly involved women and children; Whereas a recent report by the Associated Press published on April 12, 2017, found that over the past 12 years, more than 2,000 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers have been reported with most going unpunished; Whereas the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, called sexual abuse by peacekeepers a cancer in our system ; Whereas individuals displaced by conflict are particularly vulnerable and generally reside in countries with weak institutional structures, making them more susceptible to exploitation