EOSG-2025-05260_SG reply to Nathalie Meynet President – CCISUA_SIGNED

Dear Madam President,

I thank you for your letter dated 5 August 2025 advocating for all United Nations staff working in Gaza, and for the efforts of the Coordinating Committee for International Staff Unions and Associations (CCISUA) on their behalf.

I am appalled by the horror unfolding in Gaza, including the accelerated breakdown of humanitarian conditions. I salute the women and men of the United Nations in Gaza — especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work in difficult conditions. I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations, and their family members who were killed, and stand in solidarity with those who have been injured in the line of duty. Those who remain continue to serve with a level of courage and dedication which is humbling to observe.

Gaza remains a complex and challenging location, with high levels of humanitarian and protection needs. We have used every measure at our disposal to keep colleagues safe: from practical steps — like ensuring that parties to the conflict know where we are living and working — to security and first aid training; to advocacy to allow protective equipment and first aid supplies into Gaza; and political engagement around protecting United Nations staff and accountability when they are harmed. Mr. Gilles Michaud, the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, recently visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory to meet with representatives of the Government of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces with a view to bettering security for our personnel. He also visited Gaza and met with colleagues. In addition to our efforts to promote their safety, we are also committed to providing practical support for our colleagues. The Office of Human Resources in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (OHR/DMSPC)

is coordinating with the organizations of the United Nations common system to clarify and harmonize measures in effect for colleagues in Gaza. Ongoing support and guidance are being provided in relation to both internationally- and locallyrecruited personnel on a range of aspects, including danger pay, evacuation, relocation and medical and psychosocial services. Colleagues in OHR stand ready to provide policy interpretation for staff regarding benefits and allowances.

Ms. Nathalie Meynet

President of the Coordinating Committee for International Staff Unions and Associations

Geneva

I will continue to demand that all parties uphold their responsibilities to  protect United Nations and humanitarian workers, to fully comply with international humanitarian law, and to ensure accountability for any harm inflicted on United Nations personnel. And I will continue to do everything in my power to demand appropriate action from the international community.

Our colleagues in Gaza are the embodiment of the values of the United Nations. We take inspiration from their resilience and determination in their service to the common cause of peace. Despite the immense challenges, they have been making a real difference. I am committed to supporting them and to keep working to improve their safety and to ensure that they are not targeted in any way.

Yours sincerely,

António Guterres