This date marks the assassination of former UN journalist Alec Collet in 1985 who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

UN Missing Staff Day

Journalist Alec Collett

His body was found in 2009 in the Lebanon Bekaa Valley. According to the United Nations website the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is taking increasing importance every year because “attacks against the United Nations intensify.” Over the years, many UN personnel have been kidnapped and detained in work-related tasks. According to UN’s Department of Safety and Security 28 UN staff members were arrested in 2010.