International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members (25 Mar)
The United Nations observes the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on March 25th each year to commemorate those staff members who have been detained, gone missing, or lost their lives while carrying out their duties. The safety of UN personnel is crucial for the organization’s effective functioning. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices undertaken by UN staff worldwide, particularly in conflict-torn areas and under challenging circumstances.
History: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009. The resolution recognized the need to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of UN staff who perform their duties in often dangerous and challenging environments. The resolution also aimed to raise awareness about the plight of detained and missing staff members and their families and to express solidarity with them.
Observance: On the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, the United Nations organizes various events and activities to raise awareness, show support, and advocate for the protection of its staff. These may include:
- Memorial services to honor those who lost their lives or are still missing.
- Awareness-raising campaigns to highlight the risks faced by UN personnel and the challenges of detained and missing cases.
- Advocacy efforts to call for the immediate release of detained staff members, ensure their safety, and provide support to their families.
- Solidarity messages from senior UN officials, Member States, and civil society organizations.
Importance: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members holds immense significance for the United Nations and the international community. By observing this day, the United Nations:
- Demonstrates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff members.
- Acknowledges the critical role played by UN personnel in promoting peace, development, and humanitarian assistance worldwide.
- Expresses solidarity with those who have been detained or gone missing and their families.
- Emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and protection of UN staff in the field.
- Reinforces the importance of upholding international law and the principles of human rights and justice in protecting UN personnel.
Celebrating International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed annually on March 25 to honor and remember United Nations and associated personnel who have been detained, gone missing, or have lost their lives while serving in missions around the world. Here’s how it is celebrated globally:
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Flag-Raising Ceremonies: Many UN offices and peacekeeping missions around the world organize flag-raising ceremonies to mark the day. The UN flag is flown at half-mast as a symbol of solidarity and respect for the detained and missing staff members.
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Observance of a Minute of Silence: At noon local time, UN offices and missions observe a minute of silence to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives or remain missing while serving in UN operations. This moment of silence serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals in pursuit of peace and humanitarian goals.
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Panel Discussions and Forums: Various UN entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions organize panel discussions, forums, and seminars to raise awareness about the issue of detained and missing staff members. These events bring together experts, policymakers, and former detainees to discuss the challenges faced by UN personnel, the importance of their work, and the need for stronger protection mechanisms.
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Tributes and Remembrances: UN officials, colleagues, and families of detained and missing staff members share tributes, personal stories, and messages of solidarity on social media platforms using the hashtag #Stand4DetainedMissingUNStaff. These tributes honor the individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others and highlight the impact of their work on the communities they served.
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Advocacy and Calls for Action: The International Day of Solidarity is also an opportunity to advocate for the release and safe return of detained staff members. UN agencies, NGOs, and individual advocates use this platform to call on governments and other parties to respect international law and ensure the protection of UN personnel. They urge for diplomatic efforts, legal interventions, and public pressure to secure the release of those who remain detained.
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Commemorative Exhibitions and Installations: Some UN offices and missions organize commemorative exhibitions or installations to honor detained and missing staff members. These displays often feature photographs, personal belongings, and stories of the individuals, serving as a reminder of the human toll behind the statistics.
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Educational Programs: Educational institutions and UN agencies may organize workshops, lectures, or training programs to raise awareness among students and young professionals about the risks faced by UN staff in conflict zones and the importance of international solidarity in protecting them.
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Engagements with Host Governments: UN officials engage with host governments and local authorities to discuss the issue of detained and missing staff members and advocate for their protection. They emphasize the importance of respecting the safety and security of UN personnel and ensuring that those responsible for harming them are held accountable.
These initiatives and observances aim to honor the sacrifices of detained and missing UN staff members, advocate for their safety and release, and promote a culture of solidarity and protection within the international community.