At least 42 UN staff members were killed on duty in 2007, including 9 peacekeepers and 33 civilian staff members, the Staff Union's Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service said Wednesday.

"While we mourn our colleagues and the other civilians killed, we cannot but stress the need for prevention and punishment," said Staff Union President Stephen Kisambira.

He stressed that prevention is the task of the Department of Safety and Security, but especially of member states.

"Those responsible for such heinous acts must be sought and brought to justice by member states, who are responsible for national security. Very seldom are perpetrators prosecuted, perpetuating the climate of impunity," Kisambira noted.

Altogether 17 UN staff members were killed in Algiers, capital of Algeria, on Dec. 11, 2007, capping off one of the deadliest years ever.

According to the press release issued by the Staff Union, six peacekeepers were killed in a bomb attack in southern Lebanon in June. Other incidents, from Sudan to Uganda and from Afghanistan to Nepal, claimed the lives of at least three other peacekeepers and 33 civilian staff members.

Four truck drivers delivering supplies for the World Food Program (WFP) were killed in three separate incidents in Sudan. In addition, several staff members were arrested or abducted.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2008)