25 March: International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
Origins of the Day
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed annually on March 25, in memory of the abduction of Alec Collett—a former journalist who dedicated his later career to humanitarian work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In 1985, Collett was kidnapped by an armed group, and his fate remained unknown for decades until his body was found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in 2009. This tragic event drew global attention to the dangers faced by United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers worldwide.
Over the years, the significance of this day has grown as attacks on United Nations staff and peacekeepers have increased amid ongoing conflicts. The International Day of Solidarity serves as a powerful reminder to mobilize action, seek justice, and reinforce commitments to protect UN personnel, peacekeepers, and colleagues working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society.
Purpose and Importance
This day aims to raise awareness about the risks faced by UN staff members who are detained or go missing while carrying out essential missions around the world. It unites the international community in solidarity with those affected, amplifies calls for their safe return, and strengthens protective measures for humanitarian workers.
On March 25, governments, organizations, and individuals are called to:
- Demand justice for detained and missing personnel
- Enhance policies and frameworks that protect humanitarian workers
- Support families and colleagues affected by such incidents
- Promote the safety and security of all those who undertake lifesaving work globally
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the importance of this responsibility, stating:
Challenges Faced by Detained and Missing UN Staff Members
Staff members who are detained or go missing often endure grave dangers—including abduction, torture, and even death—while working in volatile environments. These individuals serve in conflict zones, disaster areas, and regions marked by political instability, risking their lives to deliver humanitarian aid, uphold peace, and support vulnerable populations.
The increasing number of attacks against UN personnel underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and stronger protective mechanisms. Such attacks not only threaten the lives of staff members but also undermine global peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Global Solidarity and Protection Measures
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is a call to action for governments, international organizations, and civil society to enhance cooperation and implement effective measures to protect humanitarian workers. Key actions include:
- Strengthening legal frameworks to prosecute those responsible for attacks against UN staff
- Improving security protocols and training for personnel deployed in high-risk areas
- Increasing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained or kidnapped workers
- Providing psychological and social support to affected families and colleagues
International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, provides protections for aid workers and peacekeepers. However, enforcement challenges persist. Ongoing advocacy and awareness-raising are crucial to ensure these protections are upheld consistently.
Remembering and Honoring Sacrifices
Each year on March 25, the global community honors the courage and dedication of detained and missing staff members who serve humanity under the most difficult circumstances. The day also provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, such as Alec Collett and many others who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Commemorative events, awareness campaigns, and messages of solidarity are organized worldwide to pay tribute to these individuals and to renew commitments to their safety and well-being.
How You Can Support
Everyone can play a role in protecting humanitarian workers and seeking justice for those who are detained or missing. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Educate yourself and others about the risks faced by UN and NGO staff in conflict zones
- Support organizations that advocate for humanitarian protection and human rights
- Participate in or promote awareness campaigns on March 25
- Encourage policymakers to prioritize the safety of humanitarian workers in international forums
Visual Tribute
The following images capture the spirit of solidarity and the tireless efforts of UN staff and peacekeepers around the world, reminding us of their vital role in promoting peace, security, and humanitarian assistance:
Additional Resources
For more information and updates on the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, visit the official United Nations page: UN Observances – Detained Staff Day.
To learn more about the safety of humanitarian workers and international humanitarian law, consult the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) resources.