Ban Ki-moon says all detained UN staff must be freed, condemns murder of worker in Iraq
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for the release of all detained agency workers around the world -- condemning the killing of a UN worker who was kidnapped last year -- marking the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff.
“Last month, we received the tragic confirmation of the killing of our colleague Amer al-Kaissy in Iraq some nine months after he had been abducted. I repeat my condemnation of this despicable murder and my call on the Iraqi authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said in a statement released by the UN.
Kaissy was kidnapped while based in Iraq’s Diyala province last April. He was found dead in November, killed execution style with a bullet to his head.
“I urge intensified efforts to bring all perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice, and to end impunity,” the UN chief said.
At least 35 UN staff members went missing or were detained in Syria, most of them from the agency for Palestinian refugees, according to The Associated Press.
“Personnel, especially those deployed under dangerous conditions, deserve full protection and rights,” the UN chief said.
Last year, six UN personnel were abducted and held hostage before being released and 20 UN personnel remain in detention, according to the agency.
Five personnel are held by Member States without any reasons given for the arrests, the UN says. In 2014, 128 UN civilians were reported arrested.
“Last month, we received the tragic confirmation of the killing of our colleague Amer al-Kaissy in Iraq some nine months after he had been abducted. I repeat my condemnation of this despicable murder and my call on the Iraqi authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said in a statement released by the UN.
Kaissy was kidnapped while based in Iraq’s Diyala province last April. He was found dead in November, killed execution style with a bullet to his head.
“I urge intensified efforts to bring all perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice, and to end impunity,” the UN chief said.
At least 35 UN staff members went missing or were detained in Syria, most of them from the agency for Palestinian refugees, according to The Associated Press.
“Personnel, especially those deployed under dangerous conditions, deserve full protection and rights,” the UN chief said.
Last year, six UN personnel were abducted and held hostage before being released and 20 UN personnel remain in detention, according to the agency.
Five personnel are held by Member States without any reasons given for the arrests, the UN says. In 2014, 128 UN civilians were reported arrested.