UN Chief António Guterres on Fallen UN Staff and Global Conflicts

Tribute to Fallen UN Staff

• 🕯️ The UN family gathered to honor 168 colleagues who lost their lives in 2024, recognizing their extraordinary courage, compassion, and service.
• 💔 The past year was especially devastating in Gaza, with 126 UN staff killed, 125 of them serving with UNRWA, marking the highest staff death toll in UN history.
• 🌍 The sacrifice of these humanitarians, peacekeepers, and peacemakers is a tragedy and a reminder of the responsibility carried by every UN staff member.

Call to Action Against Impunity

• 🚫 The UN will not grow numb to suffering or accept the killing of UN personnel, humanitarians, journalists, medical workers, or civilians as the new normal.
• ⚖️ There must be no room for impunity, as geopolitical divisions often paralyze the Security Council, allowing impunity to persist.
• 🤝 The dedication of UN staff remains unwavering, even in challenging times for international cooperation and when multilateralism is dismissed.

The Two-State Solution and Gaza

• 🕊️ The UN Chief stressed the absolute essentiality of keeping the two-state solution alive amidst the terrible events in Gaza and the West Bank.
• ❓ He questioned the alternative to a two-state solution, warning against a one-state scenario where Palestinians are expelled or live without rights.
• 🌍 The international community has a duty to do everything possible to materialize the conditions for a two-state solution.

UN's Role in Gaza and Ceasefire Efforts

• 🛑 The UN can only be effective in supporting people in Gaza with a permanent ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, and unlimited humanitarian aid access.
• 💔 Disappointment was expressed over failed ceasefire attempts and the inability to distribute humanitarian aid effectively and safely.
• ✊ The UN reaffirms its commitment to its principles and values, vowing never to give up.