United Nations Day: EU pays tribute to UN staff died in conflict

The European Union Commission has paid tribute to all dedicated United Nations staff, particularly those who lost their lives while on duty and those who face threats in conflict zones.

UN High Representative, Josep Borell who made this known in a statement released to celebrate United Nations Day on Thursday stated that the Commission deplore attacks against UN agencies and peacekeepers.

He said, “All actors in conflict must safe- guard UN personnel and respect inviolability of UN premises. We fully support the UN Secretary-General’s call for “peace in all its dimensions” and his efforts to achieve global peace.
“We remain steadfast in supporting the UN’s mission to end impunity and to ensure accountability for violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The decisions of international courts must be implemented” he said.

Giving a little history of the world body, Borell recalled that with the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945, nations established a new institution with three founding pillars: peace and security, human rights, and development.

According to him, “In 2015, United Nations members committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals that still remain relevant.

“Alongside environmental crises and growing inequalities, devastating conflicts are escalating in many parts of the world — such as Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan”.

He said, “since 2022, Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council has continued to undermine the foundations of the UN Charter through illegal, unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

“The principles the UN Charter remain as relevant today as they were nearly eight decades ago, share a collective responsibility to uphold and promote them. The UN serves as the world’s indispensable compass, and anchor of stability in uncertain times”.
EU Rep noted that the adoption of the UN Pact for the Future in September sends a clear message that the global demand for multilateralism remains strong. “It charts a path toward a more just, inclusive, and effective international system”.

He said, this is high time to reform the United Nations Security Council, to better reflect today’s world, adding that only through an effective and representative rules-based international order can it aspire to global peace and prosperity for all.

“On United Nations Day, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the United Nations and the enduring principles of the UN Charter”, EU High Representative added.