UN chief calls for immediate release of 118 detained UN staff

The figure marks a significant increase from the 52 UN staff in detention this time last year. In Yemen alone, 73 UN staff remain detained by the de facto Houthi authorities, including eight from the UN’s human rights office.

In a statement marking the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, the UN chief said “no colleague is forgotten” and urged Member States to uphold international law to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian work.

The UN has a presence on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and unstable locations 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, it also undermines vital humanitarian efforts, delaying lifesaving assistance to millions of people,” said the President of the General-Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock.

Majority detained in Yemen

In Yemen, UN staff continue to face arbitrary arrests whilst “some have been deprived of their liberty for five years now,” the Human Rights chief, Volker Türk, said.

“Every day, the injustice of their detention is compounded. Their suffering, and that of their families, is intolerable,” he added.

The staffers are being 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 Human Rights High Commissioner called on the de facto authorities in Yemen to release immediately and unconditionally the 73 UN staff.

“Under no circumstances can UN personnel be detained, much less charged with crimes, for undertaking their vital work on behalf of the Yemeni people,” Mr. Türk said.

‘UN staff should never be targeted’

In a video address to mark the International Day, Ms Baerbock said “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, Mr. Türk paid tribute to the thousands of UN staff who work 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 abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist working for the UN Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, who was abducted by a gunman in 1985. His body was found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009.

The aim of the international day is to mobilise action, demand justice and strengthen the resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as workers in the non-governmental community and the press. In recent years, the day has taken on even greater importance as attacks against the United Nations intensify.

“Today and every day, let’s stand with those who serve humanity, and ensure they are protected and supported as they carry out their essential work,” Mr. Guterres said.