CLAIMING ‘UNACCEPTABLE VIOLATION’, UNITED NATIONS STAFF UNION CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE

 

RELEASE OF WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME OFFICIAL DETAINED IN SOMALIA

 

NEW YORK, 18 October (United Nations Staff Union) -- The United Nations Staff Council’s Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service calls for the swift release of Idris Osman, the top World Food Programme official for Somalia, arrested yesterday in Mogadishu at gunpoint by Government security forces, and reportedly detained in a cell at intelligence headquarters.

The Government gave no explanation for the arrest, which affects the delivery of vital supplies for tens of thousands of people.  The raid of the United Nations compound is a flagrant violation of international law and the independence of the international civil service.  Under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which Somalia ratified, the premises of the Organization are “inviolable” and its property shall be immune from “any … form of interference”.  The Committee urges the Government of Somalia to fulfil its obligations and respect the relevant legal instruments and agreements on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel.

The Committee notes that numerous General Assembly resolutions (most recently resolution 61/133, adopted unanimously) call upon all States to provide adequate and prompt information in the event of the arrest or detention of humanitarian personnel or United Nations and its associated personnel, to afford them the necessary medical assistance and to allow independent medical teams to visit and examine the health of those detained.

The Committee calls this violation of the security and independence of United Nations staff unacceptable.  In particular, detained staff must not be held without charge and must be brought before a regular trial, and freedom of movement of United Nations staff to do their work must be ensured.

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For information media • not an official record