In his message tick International Day of Solidarity with incarcerated and missing employees, Secretary General António Guterres says UN staff and contractors “work tirelessly to serve the people of the world”, and it is important to remember the dangers they face every day.
Since the beginning of last year, 142 UN staff members have been detained, including 15 in 2022 alone.
‘Acceptable threats’
“Total, 22 UN staff are still being detained. National staff are often at particular risk and face unacceptable threats to their safety and security,” said the head of the United Nations.
“We continue to monitor these cases and seek the immediate release of all our colleagues.. I thank the Standing Committee on Security and Independence of the International Civil Service of the United Nations Employees Union for their steadfastness and vigilance.”
Mr. Guterres reminded that anyone working for the UN must be allowed to do their job without hindrance, wherever they are based and that they have the privileges and immunities as public servants, including including the privileges contained in the 1946 United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities. The nations.
Protection protocols
“I also urge all States that have not already done so, to accede to and fully implement the 1994 United Nations Safety Convention and its staff and its 2005 Optional Protocol. Convention,” said the Secretary-General. , “Extends protections to employees providing humanitarian, political or development assistance.”
He say the safety of anyone working with the UN, “is our top priority. ”
“On this International Day, let us stand in solidarity with all our detainees and pledge to protect all United Nations personnel as they work to promote peace and human rights, protect and build a better future for all.”
