The number of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation made by and about United Nations personnel in 2004 was more than double the number reported in 2003, a development that is deeply distressing, even though contributing factors include clearer reporting procedures and new response measures, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a report to the General Assembly.

"The total number of 121 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse registered in 2004 was more than double the 53 allegations reported in 2003. The increase in allegations is deeply troubling," he says.

The report says 16 allegations, ranging from inappropriate verbal conduct to sexual assault and rape, were reported from all United Nations entities other than the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).

"Forty-five per cent of those allegations involved sex with minors and 15 per cent involved rape or sexual assault," it says.

Thirty-one per cent involved prostitution with adult women and the remaining 6 per cent involved other forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, it adds.

Seventy-three allegations against uniformed personnel were sent to the Board of Inquiry – 15 investigations were pending, five were found to be unsubstantiated while allegations were substantiated in 53 cases by the end of last year, it says. "In substantiated cases, the military personnel were repatriated on disciplinary grounds" and Member States were responsible for following up.