UN Personnel Face Deadly Attacks in 2024
In a troubling report released today, the United Nations Staff Union Standing Committee revealed that at least five UN personnel were killed in targeted attacks throughout 2024. Among the deceased are four military peacekeepers and one civilian security officer, hailing from Cameroon, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Uganda. This grim toll highlights the ongoing dangers faced by UN staff in conflict zones, particularly in the wake of escalating violence in regions like Gaza and Lebanon.
Significant Losses Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The report underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon on UN personnel. Notably, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that at least 116 of its staff members were killed in the Gaza conflict, marking the highest loss of life for the agency in its 79-year history. Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the total number of UNRWA personnel fatalities has risen to 263. This staggering figure reflects the perilous environment in which humanitarian workers operate, particularly in regions experiencing intense military confrontations.
In Lebanon, peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have also faced significant threats. Multiple incidents have resulted in injuries to peacekeepers, including a rocket attack on October 29 that wounded eight Austrian personnel and a drone strike on November 7 that injured five Malaysian peacekeepers. These incidents illustrate the increasing risks faced by UN forces in volatile areas.
Deliberate Attacks on UN Personnel
The report details a series of deliberate attacks against UN personnel in 2024. On January 10, Al-Shabaab militants seized a helicopter carrying UN staff in Somalia, resulting in the death of at least one passenger and the capture of six others. Just a day later, Ugandan peacekeeper Maimudu Edema was killed by mortar fire at Aden Adde International Airport, an attack claimed by Al-Shabaab.
Further incidents included the deaths of peacekeepers from Cameroon and Ghana due to improvised explosive devices and armed group assaults in the Central African Republic and Abyei, respectively. The report highlights the persistent threats faced by UN personnel, particularly in regions plagued by armed conflict and extremist groups. These attacks not only endanger lives but also hinder the UN’s ability to carry out its vital missions in these areas.
Violations of International Civil Service Independence
In addition to the physical threats, the independence of the international civil service has been compromised in various regions. In Yemen, Houthi authorities ordered UN staff with US and UK passports to leave the country, violating the principles of international civil service independence. The Secretary-General has called for the immediate release of UN personnel detained by Houthi authorities, emphasizing the need for protection and respect for humanitarian workers.
These developments raise serious concerns about the safety and operational capacity of UN personnel in conflict zones. The ongoing violence and targeted attacks against humanitarian workers not only threaten lives but also undermine the critical work of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability worldwide.
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