For information only – not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/1484
24 March 2025
United Nations personnel serve some of the world’s most vulnerable people while aspiring to our highest ideals: peace, dignity, equality and justice. But many do so at immense personal risk – facing threats of kidnap, violence, harassment, detention, and more.
One hundred and one personnel were arrested or detained last year alone. In total, 52 UN personnel are still in detention. Locally recruited staff are particularly at risk.
On this International Day of Solidarity, we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return.
In their names, I urge governments to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection. I also call on all countries to fulfil their obligation under the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, as well as the 2005 Optional Protocol, which extends the Convention to personnel delivering humanitarian, political or development assistance.
Together, we must protect those who serve humanity, and help build a better and safer world for all.
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"Together, let's get to work and make 2025 the year we restore good health to Mother Earth." — António Guterres
The new Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations (Vienna), Reza Najafi, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations (Vienna), Khadra Ahmed Dualeh, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations (Vienna), Alexander Maisuradze, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
