Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 25, 2026 UN
The United Nations is celebrating today International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members – a date designed to remind people of the risks faced by UN and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He stressed that this day serves as a reminder of the "dedicated women and men" who work daily in dangerous conditions to promote the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
A history of losses and the fight for personnel safety
Since its founding in 1945, the UN has lost hundreds of staff members to death in the line of duty. As the Organization's operations expanded, so did the realization that its personnel were becoming increasingly vulnerable.
The first step toward systemic protection was the adoption of a resolution on the safety of UN personnel by the Security Council in September 1993. Following this, the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly began work on an international legal mechanism for the protection of personnel.
The result was the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, adopted on 9 December 1994. The document became a key instrument obliging states to ensure the protection of personnel working in conflict and emergency situations.
A reminder of the tragedy
International Day of Solidarity is marked annually on the anniversary of the kidnapping of Alec Collett, who worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He was seized by an armed group in 1985. It was only in 2009 that his remains were discovered in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. This story became a reminder of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers.
In recent years, the number of attacks against UN personnel has continued to increase. According to the Organization, staff members face risks of abduction, assault, unlawful detention, and death as a result of armed conflict.
Solidarity, justice, protection
Today's date aims to mobilize the international community to protect UN personnel and peacekeepers; to demand justice for those who have been kidnapped, detained, or attacked; and to strengthen the resolve of states to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, journalists, and NGO representatives.
The UN emphasizes that protecting personnel is not only a moral obligation, but also a necessary condition for the fulfillment of humanitarian and peacekeeping mandates around the world.
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