The United Nations on Thursday honoured 168 of its personnel who lost their lives in 2024, including 126 in Gaza — the highest staff death toll in the organisation’s history.
Speaking solemnly ahead of a memorial service at the UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General António Guterres described the fallen as “extraordinary individuals” whose lives were marked by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serve humanity.
“They were not just names on a list,” Guterres said, addressing journalists in front of the Security Council chamber. “They were driven by the pursuit of peace. By the urgency to ease human suffering. And by the conviction that every person, everywhere, deserves dignity and protection.”
Among the 126 UN personnel killed in Gaza, all but one were staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Many were reportedly killed while delivering aid, protecting civilians, or alongside their families during the ongoing conflict in the region.
“More than one in every 50 UNRWA staff in Gaza has been killed in this atrocious conflict,” Guterres stated. “This is the highest staff death toll in United Nations history.”
The tribute also honoured staff who served with the UN Secretariat, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the World Food Programme (WFP). The fallen hailed from 31 countries and included teachers, doctors, engineers, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers.
At the memorial service held in the Trusteeship Council chamber, relatives of the deceased, senior officials, and staff gathered in person and online to honour their sacrifice. Guterres reminded the global community that working for the UN is more than a job — “it’s a calling.”
“They represented humanity in action,” he said. “Let us take inspiration from how they lived. And let us vow that the memory and mission of our fallen colleagues will endure. They were the best of us.”
The UN chief also made a forceful call against the normalization of violence against humanitarian workers, journalists, medical personnel, and civilians.
“We will not grow numb to suffering. We will not accept the killing of UN personnel as the new normal,” Guterres declared. “There must be no room for impunity.”
Narda Cupidore, President of the UN Staff Union in New York, echoed the secretary-general’s message, urging the international community to take concrete actions to protect those who serve under the UN’s blue flag.
“Let this honouring be more than a moment of silence,” she said. “Let it be a call for action. A call to protect those who serve… and to ensure their legacy lives on in our work and advocacy.”
As the UN marked the day with deep reverence, the ceremony stood not only as a tribute to those who paid the ultimate price but also as a solemn reminder of the risks borne daily by those who serve in the world’s most dangerous and vulnerable places.
