ACTU : Optional Protocol to the Convention on the safety of the United Nations and associated personnel entered into force

Catherine MAIA

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the safety of the United Nations and associated personnel, expanding the protection of United Nations staff members and other humanitarian workers, entered into force on August 19, 2010, a month after the United Kingdom became the 22nd country to ratify it (Article VI of the Optional Protocol).

Unlike the 1994 Convention, which only applies to peacekeeping operations, the optional protocol provides legal protection to UN staff delivering emergency humanitarian assistance and providing political and development assistance in peace building situations. According to a UN press release, "last year alone, 28 civilian UN staff members were killed, according to the UN Staff Union, and at least 97 aid workers were killed, while 60 others were wounded and 92 more were abducted."