Last month, we received the tragic confirmation of the killing of our
colleague Amer al-Kaissy in Iraq some nine months after he had been abducted. I
repeat my condemnation of this despicable murder and my call on the Iraqi
authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
On this International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff, I
urge intensified efforts to bring all perpetrators of such heinous crimes to
justice, and to end impunity.
Last year, six United Nations personnel were abducted and held hostage by
non-State actors before being released. Twenty United Nations civilian personnel
remain in detention. Five personnel are held by Member States without any
reasons given for the arrests.
This unacceptable silence jeopardizes the individuals concerned while
undermining the larger mission of the United Nations. Personnel, especially
those deployed under dangerous conditions, deserve full protection and rights.
Some are local staff striving to advance progress in their own countries. Others
are far from their respective homes and families. All represent the best of the
United Nations.
I call on all parties to respect the rights, privileges and immunities of
United Nations personnel. I also remind national authorities of their
responsibility for protecting all UN personnel and preventing violations against
them.
All States must also support the 1994 Convention on the Safety of
United Nations and Associated Personnel as well as the 2005 Optional Protocol to
the Convention, which extends legal protection to other humanitarian
workers.
Among the many who were affected by the death of Mr. al-Kaissy, one friend
wrote in tribute a pledge to carry on his vital work. This moving response
testifies to the tenacity and commitment of United Nations staff, who deserve
full protection as they strive to fulfil our mission to foster development,
peace and human rights around the world.
Ban Ki-moon
United Nations.
Remember the Fallen : Serving the cause of peace in a violent world is a dangerous occupation. Since
the founding of the United Nations, hundreds of brave men and women have lost
their lives in its service.
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