International Day highlights need for urgent action to protect UN staff worldwide.
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| The
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
marks the anniversary of the abduction of UN staff member Alec Collett.
UN Photo/Milton Grant |
25 March 2014 – The United Nations family today urged immediate
action to secure the release of detained staff, to resolve the cases of
those missing and to protect all the courageous individuals who carry
out the life-saving work entrusted to the Organization and its partners.
“The world is a far more dangerous place for United Nations and
humanitarian personnel today than it was even a few short years ago,”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his
message for the
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, observed on 25 March.
He noted that as of 21 March, 56 UN personnel remained in detention and 4
UN and associated personnel abducted by non-State actors remain in
captivity.
“I urge all concerned to do everything possible to secure their
immediate release,” said the Secretary-General, who also strongly urged
those Member States holding UN personnel to provide immediate access and
fully respect their rights and privileges.
“I am deeply concerned at the unlawful detention and arrest of United
Nations and humanitarian personnel, as well as at the lack of access to
those staff. I call for immediate action to secure their freedom and
rights.”
One example of this was highlighted recently by Under-Secretary-General
for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, who reported to the Security
Council that authorities in South Sudan continue to harass UN staff, to
the point of putting their lives in danger. UN staff members have been
subjected to threats, harassment, physical assault, arrest, detention
and unlawful interrogation.
Mr. Ban added that he was especially worried about the brave individuals
working in Syria; the increase in abductions for ransom; and the
impunity that prevails. Noting that the vast majority of cases regarding
arrested, detained and missing staff members do not result in
prosecution, he called for an end to the culture of impunity and for the
full prosecution of all those responsible.
General Assembly President John Ashe encouraged the global community to
work more effectively to protect UN staff members who continue to face
threats to their freedom and security, noting that the number of attacks
on UN staff members has steadily increased in recent years and at an
alarming rate.
“This day underscores the need for the international community to do
everything it can to protect UN personnel working in places where
performing day-to-day tasks may put their lives at risk,” he stated in
his message.
“It also pays tribute to all UN staff members who have been killed or
kidnapped while working in conflict zones and calls on governments to
implement much needed security and safety standards,” he added.
The International Day marks the anniversary of the abduction of Alec
Collett, a former journalist and UN staff member who was working for the
UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (
UNRWA)
when he was abducted by armed gunmen in 1985. With his remains having
been found and returned to his family in 2009, the Day is also intended
to honour his memory, and of all those who have suffered similar fates.
“In our mission to increase peace and security around the world, the
United Nations asks us to work in the world’s most dangerous places,”
said Ian Richards, Vice-President of the UN Staff Management Committee.
“We do this out of a sense of duty and on the understanding that we will
be looked after.
“However, it is now clear that the United Nations flag has increasingly
become a target instead of a shield, especially for colleagues recruited
at the national level. We call on the Secretary-General and all
Governments to do more to protect staff and their independence, so they
can focus on their work, not work in fear.”
