UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday marked the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, with the 101 personnel detained or arrested last year.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters that at least 52 of them are still in detention globally, and 23 of those are arbitrarily detained in Yemen.

"The secretary-general says we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return," Dujarric said. "He urges governments to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection."

Dujarric said, "On this Day, the UN renews the calls for their immediate and unconditional release."

The high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, said in a video message that the rights of all UN staff must be fully respected. Out of the 52 detained colleagues, eight of them are from the Human Rights Office.

"Their continued detention is a grave injustice," Turk said. ■