Gaza deadliest place for UN civilian staff in 2014
61 employees were killed over the last year, says union, including 11 during Israel's war with Hamas-led fighters
At least 61 people working for the United Nations were killed in 2014 — up from 58 in 2013 and 37 in 2012 — the UN Staff Union said Tuesday, fingering Gaza as the deadliest locale for civilian workers.
The Staff Union said Tuesday that last year’s victims included 33 peacekeepers, 16 civilians, nine contractors and three consultants.
Mali was the deadliest place for UN personnel, with 28 peacekeepers killed in the volatile north between June and October, it said. Gaza was the deadliest place for UN civilian staff with 11 killed during last summer’s war with Israel.
Scores of UN staff and associated personnel were also detained, taken hostage and kidnapped during 2014, the Staff Union said.
Staff Union President Ian Richards urged the General Assembly last week to do more to protect UN staff who face increased dangers.