While such incidents are abhorrent and the UN has recognised “that an ugly stain is left on these heroic efforts by the appalling misconduct of a minority of peacekeepers” [1] such instances do not jeopardise the overall mission. Few minor instances should be treated as criminality not equated with a country in civil war.  [1] Annan, Kofi, ‘In Africa, Annan stresses that peacekeepers must adhere to conduct standards’, UN News Centre, 30 January 2005,