NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS FIRST SUMMIT ON SECURITY OF INTERNATIONAL STAFF TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 25 FEBRUARY

Press Release

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS FIRST SUMMIT ON SECURITY OF INTERNATIONAL STAFF TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 25 FEBRUARY

In response to the increase in attacks against United Nations personnel throughout the world, a Summit on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 25 February, in the Economic and Social Council Chamber, at United Nations Headquarters.

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.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan is to be the keynote speaker. Invited speakers include: United Nations Security Coordinator Benon Sevan; former Under Secretary-General Sir Brian Urquhart; and United Nations Permanent Representatives Juan Somavia of Chile, Michael John Powles of New Zealand, and Sir John Weston of the United Kingdom. The President of the United Nations Staff Committee, Rosemarie Waters, will serve as moderator.

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 February 1998, it had been ratified by only 17. 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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