International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is a United Nations observance that is observed on March 25. This day serves as a call to action to protect UN personnel, peacekeepers, and members of the non-governmental community who risk their lives in volatile regions. It highlights the significant dangers faced by those providing humanitarian aid and peacebuilding services, demanding justice for those who have been unlawfully detained or whose whereabouts remain unknown while in the line of duty.

History of International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The choice of March 25 marks a specific anniversary of tragedy and loss within the international civil service. On this date in 1985, Alec Collett, a former British journalist working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), was abducted by armed gunmen in Lebanon. For decades, his fate remained a mystery, causing immense distress to his family and colleagues. It was not until 2009 that his remains were finally discovered in the Bekaa Valley and returned to his family, providing a somber conclusion to a decades-long search for the truth. ¹

In the years following Collett’s abduction, the United Nations recognized a growing trend of attacks against its personnel. The International Day of Solidarity was established to mobilize global support and put pressure on governments to respect the privileges and immunities of international staff. The legal framework for this protection was bolstered by the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. This day continues to evolve as a vital platform for the UN Staff Union and its Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service to advocate for the release of currently detained colleagues.

Why is International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members important?

This observance is crucial because it addresses the erosion of safety for those performing life-saving work. In many conflict zones, humanitarian workers are no longer viewed as neutral parties but have instead become targets for kidnapping and political leverage. The day sheds light on the legal and physical vulnerabilities of UN staff who often operate without adequate protection in disaster-stricken or war-torn areas. By bringing these cases to the public eye, the international community reinforces the principle that those serving the cause of peace should never be subjected to violence or arbitrary imprisonment.

The day also serves as a platform to demand accountability and due process. It is a reminder to member states of their obligations under international law to ensure the security of aid workers within their borders. For the families of the missing, this solidarity provides a voice and ensures that their loved ones are not forgotten by the global bureaucracy. It fosters a culture of security and resilience within international organizations, emphasizing that the safety of the individual is paramount to the success of any humanitarian mission.

• It commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of journalist Alec Collett
• It raises awareness about the increasing number of attacks on UN personnel
• It advocates for the legal protections found in the 1994 safety convention
• It serves as a day to demand the immediate release of all detained staff
• It honors the courage of humanitarian workers operating in high-risk environments

How to Observe International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

Observance of this day often begins with official statements from the UN Secretary-General and leadership within humanitarian agencies. At United Nations headquarters and regional offices, staff members frequently hold moments of silence or webinars to discuss the current security challenges facing their colleagues in the field. These events are designed to keep the names and stories of detained workers at the forefront of diplomatic discussions. The UN Staff Union often organizes campaigns to collect signatures or messages of support for those currently held in detention.

The public can participate by following and sharing information using specific hashtags like #UNStaffDay to spread awareness of ongoing cases. Educational institutions often use the day to teach students about the role of the United Nations and the personal risks taken by international civil servants. On a personal level, reading the reports on the security of humanitarian workers can provide a better understanding of the complexities of international aid. Supporting non-governmental organizations that advocate for human rights and the protection of journalists is another practical way to stand in solidarity with those missing in the line of duty.

• Participate in webinars or virtual events hosted by the United Nations
• Use social media to share the stories of missing or detained personnel
• Observe a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives in service
• Read the annual reports on the safety and security of UN staff members
• Support international organizations that advocate for the rights of aid workers

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/detained-staff-day[↩]