Every year on March 25th, the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett. He was kidnapped by armed gunman in 1985. Collett, a former British journalist, was kidnapped at gunpoint while working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Collett’s body wasn’t found until 2009.
The UN observes the day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen its resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as the colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. The day commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett in 1985 by armed gunman. He was a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).