New York, USA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of 136 UN staff members who lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping duties during the past year. He affirmed that their sacrifices will always be appreciated and respected by the international community.
Guterres made these remarks during a UN event honoring staff members who lost their lives while performing their duties in conflict zones, disaster areas, and humanitarian crises around the world. He also praised their dedication and commitment to serving those in need and working to promote peace, development, and the protection of civilians.
The Secretary-General emphasized that these staff members worked in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, placing the service of others above considerations of personal safety. He also noted that the United Nations owes them and their families a debt of gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices in pursuit of the organization’s humanitarian goals.
Guterres stressed the need for further measures to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and United Nations staff deployed around the world. He added that the escalation of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises increases the risks faced by those working in the field.
He also called on the international community to respect international humanitarian law and provide full protection for humanitarian and relief workers. He stressed that targeting or endangering civilian personnel hinders crisis response efforts and exacerbates the suffering of those affected.
The Secretary-General concluded his remarks by affirming that the memory of the staff members who lost their lives will remain alive in the conscience of the United Nations. He further stated that the organization will continue working to fulfill the mission to which they dedicated their lives: supporting peace, human dignity, and sustainable development around the world.
