Guterres calls for more protection for UN staffs members

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the international community to provide more protection for UN staff members.

In his message on the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, the UN chief asked countries to strengthen resolve to give UN staff members "the protection they need to continue their work for peace and prosperity for all."

Guterres said that 16 UN staff members were kidnapped or abducted in 2018, and one thus far in 2019, adding that all have been released. Currently, there are 21 UN staff members under arrest or in detention -- five of whom are being held without any known charges, he added.

Guterres said that the UN will continue to do everything within its means to secure the staff members' release.

"Whether in their home countries or abroad, United Nations staff members have an admirable commitment to service. Their safety must be our priority," said the secretary-general.

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed annually on March 25 by the UN.

According its official website, the day is marked each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist working for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985.