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UN appeals for release of aid worker abducted in Dagestan, Russian Federation

UN appeals for release of aid worker abducted in Dagestan, Russian Federation

Marking the anniversary of the abduction in Dagestan, Russian Federation, of an international aid worker, the United Nations today reiterated its appeal for his immediate and safe release, stressing that such kidnappings hamper humanitarian efforts in the North Caucasus.

The UN said it remains deeply concerned about the fate of Arjan Erkel, the head of the Médecins Sans Frontières mission for Dagestan, who was kidnapped in Makhachkala on 12 August last year.

"The UN condemns Mr. Erkel's abduction and wishes to underscore once again that such actions undermine the effective provision of humanitarian assistance to the thousands of civilians in need in the North Caucasus," the office of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the Russian Federation said in a statement.

In the past few months, the UN has welcomed the news from investigators that Mr. Erkel is alive, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin's public assurances that his country's law enforcement bodies will continue their search.

A delegation, including UN representatives and donor countries, today concludes its two-day visit to the North Caucasus where it was expected to raise the issue of Mr. Erkel's fate in meetings with authorities there.