In a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, the UN chief said: “no colleague is forgotten”and urged Member States to respect international law to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian work.
The UN has a presence on the ground in some of the most dangerous and unstable places in the world, including Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Any detention not only violates fundamental human rights, international law and immunities, but also undermines vital humanitarian efforts, delaying life-saving assistance to millions of people”said the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock.
Most detained in Yemen
In Yemen, UN staff continue to face arbitrary detentions, while “some have been deprived of liberty for five years”said Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.
“Every day the injustice of his detention worsens. Their suffering and that of their families is intolerable.”he added.
The employees are held in areas of the country under the control of the de facto Houthi authorities. Since 2014, Yemen has been in a civil conflict between Houthi militants and the internationally recognized government.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Yemen’s de facto authorities to release immediately and unconditionally the 73 UN officials.
“Under no circumstances may UN personnel be detained.let alone accused of crimes, for doing their vital work on behalf of the Yemeni people,” Türk said.
“UN staff should never be a target”
In a video address to mark the International Day, Ms. Baerbock said that “UN staff should never be a target… they are giving their lives, every day, to support communities in dire need and for the principles of the United Nations.”
Echoing these calls, Türk paid tribute to the thousands of United Nations staff working in the most difficult situations, in crises and conflicts, to serve communities in need of support.
Solidarity and justice
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members marks the anniversary of the kidnapping of Alec Collett, a former journalist working for the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, who was abducted by a gunman in 1985. His body was found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009.
The goal of the international day is to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen resolve to protect UN and peacekeepers, as well as non-governmental community workers and the press. In recent years, the day has taken on even greater importance as attacks on the United Nations have intensified.
“Today and every day, let’s support those who serve humanityand ensure that they are protected and supported as they carry out their essential work,” Guterres said.