United Nations honors 168 employees lost in the line of duty in 2024
June 05, 2025 | United Nations, Federal
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The United Nations held a poignant memorial service on June 5, 2025, honoring the 168 individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024. This solemn gathering, attended by UN officials and family members, served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those dedicated to the pursuit of peace, justice, and human dignity.
During the ceremony, the Secretary-General, alongside the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly, lit a candle symbolizing an eternal flame. This act set the tone for a day of reflection and remembrance. The Secretary-General called for a minute of silence, emphasizing the shared grief of the UN family and the importance of honoring the fallen colleagues, who came from 31 different nationalities and served in various capacities, including humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, and medical personnel.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General highlighted the devastating losses experienced by the UN, particularly in Gaza, where 126 colleagues were killed, including many who were with their families. He reiterated the need for accountability and urged the international community to remember the lives lost as a call to action for improved safety and support for UN personnel.
The President of the United Nations Staff Union echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for ongoing advocacy to protect the rights and safety of all staff members. She called for a commitment to ensure that those serving under the UN flag do so with dignity and respect, reinforcing the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The service concluded with the reading of names of the 68 colleagues who died while serving the organization in 2024, a solemn tribute that underscored the human cost of the UN's mission. This memorial not only honored the fallen but also served as a rallying cry for continued dedication to the ideals they represented. The UN family remains united in its commitment to uphold their memory through action and advocacy, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the ongoing pursuit of a better world.
During the ceremony, the Secretary-General, alongside the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly, lit a candle symbolizing an eternal flame. This act set the tone for a day of reflection and remembrance. The Secretary-General called for a minute of silence, emphasizing the shared grief of the UN family and the importance of honoring the fallen colleagues, who came from 31 different nationalities and served in various capacities, including humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, and medical personnel.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General highlighted the devastating losses experienced by the UN, particularly in Gaza, where 126 colleagues were killed, including many who were with their families. He reiterated the need for accountability and urged the international community to remember the lives lost as a call to action for improved safety and support for UN personnel.
The President of the United Nations Staff Union echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for ongoing advocacy to protect the rights and safety of all staff members. She called for a commitment to ensure that those serving under the UN flag do so with dignity and respect, reinforcing the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The service concluded with the reading of names of the 68 colleagues who died while serving the organization in 2024, a solemn tribute that underscored the human cost of the UN's mission. This memorial not only honored the fallen but also served as a rallying cry for continued dedication to the ideals they represented. The UN family remains united in its commitment to uphold their memory through action and advocacy, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the ongoing pursuit of a better world.
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