NEW YORK: The United Nations has called for the immediate protection of its personnel in Afghanistan after two staff members of the UN aid mission were detained by the country’s intelligence authorities.
The UN said the two personnel were taken into custody but have not been informed of the allegations or charges against them. The organisation also said it has so far been denied access to the detained staff members.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the detentions and urged Afghan authorities to respect the special legal status of UN personnel.
Guterres called on the Taliban authorities to fully uphold the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and its staff under international agreements.
The UN has continued to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan despite the country’s difficult security and political environment. The detention of its personnel has raised concerns about the ability of international organisations to operate safely and independently in the country.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests and the identities of the detained personnel have not been disclosed publicly, while the United Nations continues to seek access to them.
