International Day of Solidarity with Detained or Missing Staff Members

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained or Missing Staff Members is a commemoration that reminds us of the importance of supporting those individuals who have been detained or missing while working in work related to human rights, justice and peace. This day, celebrated on March 25 each year, seeks to raise awareness about the difficult situation faced by human rights defenders and United Nations personnel who are detained or missing in the line of duty. Furthermore, it aims to promote international solidarity and the fight for justice on behalf of these brave people who have sacrificed their freedom and, in many cases, their lives for the well-being of humanity.

The Origin of Commemoration

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained or Missing Staff Members was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The chosen date, March 25, coincides with the day on which, in 1981, the Irish journalist Kevin Boyle and Chilean human rights advisor Sean MacBride were kidnapped in Beirut. Both men had been investigating the human rights situation in Lebanon on behalf of the International Commission of Jurists and were kidnapped by an armed group. This incident marked a turning point in international awareness of the plight of those working to promote and protect human rights.

The commemoration of this day aims to remind the global community of the importance of the work of human rights defenders and United Nations personnel, as well as to highlight the risks and challenges they face in the exercise of their duties. It also seeks to honor those who have lost their lives or been detained or disappeared in the line of duty.

The Importance of International Solidarity

International solidarity plays a vital role in protecting and supporting human rights defenders and United Nations staff who face threats, unjust detentions and enforced disappearances. When these individuals are persecuted for their work for justice and human rights, international solidarity becomes a powerful tool to pressure the governments and actors involved to guarantee their release and safety.

International solidarity manifests itself in various forms, from awareness campaigns to diplomatic pressure and civil society mobilization. Human rights organizations, activists, governments and citizens around the world come together in a joint effort to advocate for the release of those detained or missing and to demand justice in cases of human rights violations. International solidarity also involves providing emotional and material support to the families of those affected, who often suffer immense stress and anguish.

Today, international solidarity is essential to protect journalists, human rights activists, lawyers and other professionals who face persecution around the world for their work. The International Day of Solidarity with Detained or Missing Staff Members reminds us that we must not take for granted the importance of this solidarity and that we must continue to fight for justice and freedom for those who are willing to risk their lives for the well-being of the society.

Despite progress in the protection of human rights globally, human rights defenders and United Nations staff continue to face threats, unjust detentions and enforced disappearances in many places around the world. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting justice, equality and peace, and their work is fundamental to building more just societies that respect human rights.

In some countries, arrests and disappearances of human rights defenders and United Nations staff are used as tools of repression by governments. Activists and journalists who openly criticize the government or document human rights abuses often face unfounded accusations, unfair trials, and violence. In other cases, armed groups and criminal organizations also represent a constant threat to those working in conflict-affected areas.

The fight against impunity is essential to address this situation. It is essential that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice and that cases of detentions and enforced disappearances are thoroughly investigated. The international community must press for accountability and justice on behalf of the victims.

Emblematic Cases

Throughout history, there have been numerous emblematic cases of arrests and disappearances of human rights defenders and United Nations personnel. These cases have highlighted the urgent need for international solidarity and action in support of those facing these situations. Here are some examples:

Raif Badawi
Raif Badawi is a Saudi blogger and activist who was arrested in 2012 for his criticism of the Saudi regime on his blog "Liberal Saudi Network." He was sentenced to ten years in prison and a thousand lashes on charges of apostasy and blasphemy. His case attracted international attention and sparked widespread condemnation. Despite international pressure, Badawi remains detained and his situation remains precarious.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's opposition leader and human rights defender, spent years under house arrest due to her fight for democracy in her country. Despite receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, her brave fight kept her from freedom for a long time. Although she was eventually released and able to lead her country, her previous arrest symbolizes the struggle of many human rights defenders around the world.

Jamal Khashoggi
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. His murder sparked international condemnation and highlighted the risks faced by journalists who criticize authoritarian regimes. His death also led to increased attention on the plight of other detained or missing journalists around the world.

Giuseppe Conlon
Giuseppe Conlon, an Irish citizen, was wrongly convicted for his alleged involvement in an IRA bombing in London in 1974. He spent 15 years in prison before dying in 1980. His case, along with that of the "Guildford Four", stood out the injustice of wrongful arrests and the importance of solidarity in the fight for justice.

These cases illustrate the diversity of situations in which human rights defenders and United Nations staff may face unjust detention or enforced disappearances. International solidarity plays a fundamental role in the search for justice and in protecting those who work tirelessly for a better world.

The Work of the United Nations

The United Nations plays an essential role in protecting and supporting human rights defenders and personnel working in areas of conflict and crisis. The organization has a series of instruments and mechanisms designed to guarantee their safety and promote justice in cases of detentions and forced disappearances.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is a key figure in the promotion and protection of human rights globally. This body works closely with human rights defenders and monitors the situation in countries where human rights violations occur. The High Commissioner has the responsibility to report on cases of detentions and enforced disappearances, pressure governments to take action and mobilize international solidarity in support of those affected. In addition, the United Nations Human Rights Council has established special procedures, such as special rapporteurs, to address specific human rights issues. These independent experts work to investigate allegations of unjust detention and enforced disappearances, and issue reports and recommendations to address these issues.

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, adopted in 2006, is an international treaty that establishes obligations for States in the prevention and punishment of enforced disappearance. This convention is an important step in the fight against this crime and in the protection of victims and their families.

Collective Action and Awareness

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained or Missing Staff Members is an opportunity for collective action and awareness-raising. At the international level, awareness-raising and mobilization campaigns are carried out to highlight the situation of those detained and missing and to advocate for their release and justice. These campaigns seek to mobilize civil society, governments and human rights organizations in support of those facing these difficulties.

Public awareness plays an essential role in putting pressure on governments and other actors to respect human rights and release those detained or missing. Social media, public events and online signature campaigns are powerful tools to disseminate information and mobilize international solidarity. Additionally, this day provides an opportunity to remember people who are willing to risk their lives in the fight for justice and human rights. Their dedication and sacrifice deserve recognition and support, and International Solidarity Day is an occasion to express gratitude and solidarity towards them.

The Protection of Human Rights Defenders

The protection of human rights defenders is an ongoing challenge. States have the responsibility to ensure that defenders can carry out their work without fear of reprisals. This implies the adoption of measures to prevent and punish unjust detentions, threats and violence against defenders.

Human rights organizations and civil society also play a key role in protecting human rights defenders. They provide legal, psychological and material support to defenders and their families. Additionally, through mobilization and public awareness, they pressure governments and the international community to take action in cases of unjust detention or enforced disappearances.