Every March 25th, the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff is commemorated, a date proclaimed in 1986 by the United Nations with the aim of honoring humanitarian workers who have been victims of detention, kidnapping or disappearance in the performance of their duties.
The commemoration particularly remembers the case of Alec Collett, a British journalist who worked for a UN agency and was kidnapped in Lebanon in 1985, becoming a symbol of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian work in conflict contexts.
In that sense, this date seeks not only to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives or remain missing, but also to make visible the situation of hundreds of workers who operate in high-risk areas, where violence, political instability and armed conflicts endanger their integrity.
International organizations have reiterated that humanitarian personnel, including doctors, journalists, volunteers, and social workers, play a fundamental role in assisting vulnerable populations, providing vital aid in the midst of humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and armed conflicts.
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Furthermore, States and armed actors are called upon to respect international humanitarian law, guaranteeing the protection of these workers and facilitating their work without restrictions or threats.
Within the framework of this commemoration, various institutions around the world carry out awareness activities, information campaigns, and symbolic acts to highlight the importance of international solidarity and the defense of human rights.
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International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff reaffirms the global commitment to protect those who risk their lives to help others, while promoting justice, remembrance, and the dignity of the victims.
