United Nations condemns abduction of aid worker in Dagestan, Russian Federation

The United Nations, which just over two weeks ago suspended its relief operations in the northern Caucasus over security concerns, has condemned the abduction of an aid worker in Dagestan.

Arjan Erkel, the head of the Médecins Sans Frontières mission for Dagestan, was kidnapped in Makhachkala on 12 August.

In voicing its demand for his release, the UN said it remains "extremely concerned" about the fate of Nina Davydovich, the humanitarian worker from the non-governmental organization (NGO) Druzhba who was abducted in Chechnya on 23 July.

"Actions of this kind compromise the effective provision of humanitarian assistance to the many people who are in need in the Northern Caucasus," the UN said in a statement released in Moscow on Wednesday.

The world body took the occasion to "reiterate its solidarity with the hundreds of civilians who have been abducted in Chechnya in recent years," and to call on those responsible to ensure the safe return of their victims.

UN activities in Chechnya remain suspended until further notice, with the situation being kept under constant review.