The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres said in New York that the agency has lost about seventy two personnel so far this year.
Guterres said this at a wreath laying ceremony and memorial service to mark the opening of the UN Staff Day celebrations at the organisation’s headquarters in honor of civilian staff members, police and military personnel who have fallen in service to the UN across the world.
The UN Chief gave breakdown of the death figure as twenty five civilian staff members, forty three peacekeepers and four UN police officers.
According to Guterres, the UN staff work in the most dangerous and challenging environment around the world, and it was the duty of all to remember and commemorate the fallen colleagues. He expressed his sympathy to their families, friends and loved ones who feel their loss so keenly.
Earlier in her remarks, President of the UN Staff Union, Patricia Nemeth saluted the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of the organisation’s personnel.
