The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has reiterated his call for the immediate release of ten UN staff members detained four days ago in Ethiopia.
According to a statement by the spokesperson, 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 News Agency of Nigeria reports.
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.
