UNITED NATIONS, September 1 -- The United States, which is required to allow entry by diplomats from countries like Iran, Cuba and Belarus to attend the United Nations in New York, requires these diplomats to register and seek permission to travel more than 25 miles from Columbus Circle in Manhattan.
But recently Inner City Press learned that the U.S. has been imposing the same restriction on UN staff members from such countries, despite the fact that UN staff are deemed to be international civil servants, not working for the countries where they were born. (In fact, some such UN staff are opponents of their governments.)
On August 19, Inner City Press asked UN spokesman Martin Nesirky about this:
Inner City Press: It’s come to my attention that there are UN staff members from countries that are on United States sanctions lists that, whereas diplomats from these countries are precluded from travelling beyond 25 miles outside of New York without getting permission of the State Department, that there are UN staff members that, although they are international civil servants, are similarly being required to check with the State Department to travel beyond 25 miles. I think that there are Under-Secretaries-General aware of their staff members in this situation. I wanted to know whether the Secretariat believes it’s appropriate that UN staff members who are international civil servants, not working for their underlying Government, are subject to this restriction. Why hasn’t the Secretariat fought for the rights of its staff members right here in the United States?
Spokesperson Nesirky: Where you’re sitting now is not in the United States, Matthew.
Inner City Press: No, no, I understand. I’m saying that the State Department, in granting the G-4 visa, has imposed the condition that these individuals, UN staff members…
Spokesperson Nesirky: No, I heard what you said, but I need to find out. I don’t have anything for you on that. But thanks for the question and we’ll look into it.
Inner City Press asked the question because it was aware of situations in which UN Under Secretaries General threw up their hands and said nothing could or would be done.
But when the UN answered Inner City Press' question, here is what they said:
Subject: Your question on immunities for UN staff
To: Matthew.Lee [at] innercitypress.com
From: UN Spokesperson - Do Not Reply
I can confirm that, in answer to your question, we have the following response:
"The United Nations Secretariat has indicated to the United States Government its position of principle concerning the treatment of its staff solely on the basis of their nationality and has requested that all travel restrictions be removed by the host country as soon as possible."
On September 1, Inner City Press asked when it was that the UN “indicated to the U.S. government its position of principle.” No answer was given -- some assume because the UN only belatedly raised the issue to the U.S. government AFTER the question was raised. Watch this site.
