Secretary-General Pays Tribute to Detained, Abducted, and Missing Staff

The United Nations paid homage to detained, abducted and missing colleagues today at UN Headquarters on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. The International Day marks the armed abduction 18 years ago to the day of Alec Collett near Beirut Airport while on assignment for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The fate of Mr. Collett, a former journalist and Director of the UN Information Centre in Ghana, has never been determined. At least 39 staff members of the UN family of organizations are currently missing or ""disappeared"" --- possibly under arrest or being held in detention. Lapel pins intended to highlight the importance of staff security and safety were distributed to staff today on the occasion.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan is shown at today's commemoration of the The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, wearing a lapel pin designed and produced by the United Nations Staff Union and its Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service, highlighting the importance of staff security and safety.