NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS FIRST SUMMIT ON SECURITY OF INTERNATIONAL STAFF TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 19 NOVEMBER

Press Release

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS FIRST SUMMIT ON SECURITY OF INTERNATIONAL STAFF TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 19 NOVEMBER

In response to the increase in attacks on United Nations personnel throughout the world, a Summit on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service will be held on 19 November at United Nations Headquarters, in Conference Room 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organized by the United Nations Staff Council Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service, the first-ever Summit will seek common ways to address the mounting threats against United Nations personnel. In the past 12 months, 22 civilian and 43 military staff members lost their lives in the performance of their duties. Incidents of arrest, detention, attack and injury are on the increase, while the fate of some 50 staffers detained or missing throughout the world is still unknown.

Speakers will include journalist and former hostage Terry Anderson; High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson; former Under Secretaries-General Sir Brian Urquhart and Giandomenico Picco; Vice-President of the United Nations Correspondents Association, Ian Williams; diplomats from the Permanent Missions of New Zealand and the United States; and the President of the United Nations Staff Committee, Rosemarie Waters. Standing Committee Co-chair Lelei LeLaulu will serve as moderator.

"A summit like this was needed because, unfortunately, at a time when risks are greater than ever before, there is a feeling of indifference among staff" Ms. Waters said. "We hope that a large number of staff will attend and show their concern."

The Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel was adopted by the General Assembly in 1994. The treaty will enter into force when it is ratified by 22 Member States. As of November 1997, it had been ratified by 14 States. Both the General Assembly and the Security Council have reiterated their concern at the increase in attacks and use of force against United Nations personnel.

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