Logo of United Nations at UN world headquarters in New York (Photo credit: Diplomatic Times)

By Gary  Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –  NEW  YORK  –    The United Nations reported Thursday that six detained UN staff members were released. At least 16 UN staff and dependents were detained in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa earlier this month amid the year-long military conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray.  “Five staff and one dependent remain in custody.  Our understanding is that the contract drivers were also released earlier this week,   Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary‑General told reporters during a press briefing. There have been widespread arrests of ethnic Tigrayans. Most of the 16 UN staff detained were Tigrayans.  About 70 contract drivers had also been detained.  UN Secretary-General António Guterres  this week reiterated his call for the immediate release of all staff members detained in Ethiopia. As far as the Secretary-General is aware, the staff members are being held without charge, and no specific information has been provided regarding the reasons for their arrest, according to his spokesman. 

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary‑General  (Photo by Gary Raynaldo / Diplomatic Times) 

“United Nations personnel carry out critical and impartial work in Ethiopia. The Secretary-General stresses the obligation of respecting the privileges and immunities of United Nations personnel, both international and Ethiopian, as well as protecting United Nations personnel and other humanitarian workers in Ethiopia, including from arbitrary detention. The course of military conflict will not bring lasting peace and stability to Ethiopia. The Secretary-General urges the parties to end hostilities and prioritize the welfare of civilians.”

-Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary‑General