As you may know, a memorial service took place in New York last week to remember the more than 100 UN personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty last year, and mark five years since the earthquake in Haiti.

Our colleagues were victims of violence, extremism, pandemics, or even attacks by UN member governments. The values that UN staff promote and represent, like journalists, health workers, or school children the world over, are an anathema to many.

In our statement on behalf of staff unions, we echoed concerns that we raised last year and called on the Secretary-General and General Assembly to:

• improve safety for UN staff;
• systematically lower the UN flag to half-mast when a colleague dies;
• give the same benefits to consultants in the field as to staff;
• better look after the families of the deceased;
• declare an international day to honour all fallen UN staff; and
• better support our colleagues in security.

The statement can be read here or viewed in this video at 15:00.

In a subsequent meeting with the Secretary-General’s office to discuss our ongoing requests, we were informed that the flag code would now be revised and a draft circulated shortly for discussion, the situation of consultants in the field would be reviewed, and that discussions would be held with the President of the General Assembly on our proposal an international day. We understand that the organization is also reviewing how it interacts with the families of the deceased.

The growing threat to staff safety, especially in the field, is an key issue for us, especially as the organization takes up increasingly challenging assignments around the world. 

For us, even one death is one death too many.