International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members Date in the current year: March 25, 2024

The date of the observation coincides with the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, British journalist working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Collett was kidnapped by the armed terrorists on March 25, 1985, while he was working on an article about the Palestine refugees in Lebanon.

Collett's body was found only in 2009. Reportedly by ANO operatives (Abu Nidal Organization, the Palestinian Revolutionary Council), Alec Collett was hanged after the USA had launched bombing raids of Palestine. His remains were found in the Beqaa Valley.

The fact that United Nations personnel is remained in detention, urged the creation of the observance. Its main goal to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen the resolve to protect UN peacekeepers, staff and the colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press.