They face the risks to save lives – the United Nations calls for the release of its detained employees around the world

In light of the increasing challenges facing the humanitarian workers, the International Day of Solidarity with the detained and missing employees (March 25) comes to highlight the grave risks faced by United Nations and humanitarian organizations, especially in Yemen, where many UN employees are in detention among the Houthi -de facto authorities since 2021.

An invitation to not forget

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Filimon Yang, stressed the need not to forget dozens of missing or detained employees. He added: “In Yemen, 23 employees of the United Nations, along with many other humanitarian workers, are still in detention – some of them for more than three years. A UN relief worker died one of the World Food Program while he was in detention.”

The President of the General Assembly- whose membership includes all the 193 member states of the United Nations- called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN employees held in Yemen and elsewhere.

He added: “Our colleagues have dedicated themselves to teaching children, providing biological medical and nutritional assistance to millions, and promoting peace and dialogue. Their work must be protected. I stand in solidarity completely with all detainees. They must be released and protected.”

It is noteworthy that the employees detained in Yemen are all national employees and were working before they were detention with international agencies and other international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Development Program, UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Food Program, the Kiir Organization, Child Rescue Organization, and Oxfam.

Risks for service

The Secretary -General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, indicated that last year alone, a number of those who were arrested or reserved from UN employees around the world reached one hundred and one. At least, 52 United Nations personnel are still in detention. “Local appointed employees are especially at risk.”

The Secretary -General said that we are “standing in solidarity with all the detainees, their families and their loved ones,” calling for their immediate release and to return them to their homes.

Enhancing support and protection

Guterres urged governments to ensure the safety and security of United Nations employees, and to seek justice against the crimes committed against them, while taking care to enhance support and protection. He called on all countries to fulfill their obligations under international agreements related to the protection of United Nations employees.

He added: “We must strive together to protect those who work in the service of humanity, and help build a better and safer world for all.”

About the International Day

The International Day of Solidarity is compatible with the detained and missing employees with the anniversary of the kidnapping of Alack Colette, a former journalist who was working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) when a militants kidnapped him in 1985. His body was found in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley in 2009.

The International Day is an occasion to mobilize efforts, demand justice, and enhance the design to protect United Nations staff, peace memorization and colleagues in NGOs and the press.