Letter to The Editor of the International Herald Tribune

FICSA’s answer to the IHT

Mr. David Malone (“Nobody said it would be safe”, 1 October 2004) has called the legitimate concern of the international civil servants for their right to the minimum standards of security an “orgy of outrage and self- pity”. What an affront to all of us, Mr. David Malone, and to the families of those who have died in service to the international community.

The staff of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and funds are hardworking, professional and dedicated to achieving the goals of the United Nations any place in the world. The majority of this international workforce is stationed in the field, far from “Denmark or Canada”, and, far from “wallowing in self-pity”, international civil servants daily confront danger, misery and pain, whether their work involves food delivery, dealing with the needs of refugees or providing health care.

International civil servants have become easy targets of violence from opposition forces that no longer see the UN as part of the solution. The UN flag no longer offers any protection for its workers. In fact, for opposition forces, it is like the red flag to a bull, pointing to those who should be kidnapped, held hostage, raped or murdered.

The loss of 22 colleagues in Baghdad in August 2003 was indeed tragic and did send shockwaves throughout the organization. A group of highly dedicated and professional people were wiped out with one blow. That attack followed many others that were less highly publicized, probably because they did not involve victims as popular and well known as Mr. De Mello. These include colleagues who were hacked to death by machete-wielding opposition forces in East Timor, or those killed by sniper fire in Gaza and the West Bank, or those murdered in Rwanda, not to mention the victims of rape, thuggery and hostage taking. Staff have attended the memorial services and comforted the grieving parents and have said “Enough”. The security of staff is a priority and the Member States need to finance security measures commensurate with the new realities of serving in conflict situations.

Would Mr. Malone send his son or daughter to Iraq in present circumstances? Undoubtedly he first would seek assurances that the security measures to safeguard his civilian children, lacking in military training, would be optimal. UN staff ask no less for themselves. Yes, as Mr. Malone says, “the UN needs to adopt better security precautions.” That is the crux of the matter.

Sincerely yours.

Maria Dweggah, General Secretary of the FICSA.