"I am inspired by the dedication of our staff. I am outraged by attacks against them. And I am determined to protect every single person serving under the United Nations flag worldwide. I thank the Staff Union for keeping the spotlight on this problem and pledge to fully support their efforts."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Alec Collett (© UN Photo / Milton Grant)
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009.
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members has taken on even greater importance in recent years, as attacks against the United Nations intensify. This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as our colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.