UN calls for immediate release of staff detained in Ethiopia

epa08525241 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a press conference organized by the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents (ACANU) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, 03 July 2020. EPA-EFE/FABRICE COFFRINI

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General has again demanded for the immediate release of ten UN staff members detained four days ago in Ethiopia.

This was contained in a statement released by the spokesperson of the United Nations.

According to the united nations, the Secretary-General is aware, that the staff members are being held without charge and no specific information provided regarding the reasons for their arrest.

The statement read in part, “UN personnel carry out critical and impartial work in Ethiopia, the obligation of respecting the privileges and immunities of UN personnel, both internationally and in Ethiopia. Protecting UN personnel and other humanitarian workers in Ethiopia, including from arbitrary detention.’’

According to the statement, the course of military conflict will not bring lasting peace and stability to Ethiopia.

It said that the Secretary-General urges the parties to end hostilities and prioritise the welfare of civilians, noting that safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be restored urgently. It stated that the challenges facing Ethiopia can only be resolved through dialogue involving all Ethiopians.

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