United Nations, June 4 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced an independent review of the world body’s failure to investigate allegations of sexual abuse.

French soldiers reportedly raped children who they were supposed to be protecting in the Central African Republic. Even after the exploitation was brought to the attention of senior U.N. officials, the United Nations never reported it to French authorities — nor did it do anything to immediately stop the abuse.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced the probe, saying: "The secretary-general is deeply disturbed by the allegations of sexual abuse by soldiers in the CAR, as well as allegations on how this was handled by the various parts of the U.N. system involved. His intention in setting up this review is to ensure that the United Nations does not fail the victims of sexual abuse, especially when committed by those who are meant to protect them."