During the past few days, Danish and international media have published the names of the two kidnapped staff members of the Danish Refugee Council’s demining unit in Somalia.

The Danish Refugee Council has confirmed the names of the two employees, while at the same time, strongly encouraging media to showing respect, and restraint and to understand the need for confidentiality as investigations are ongoing.

The Danish Refugee Council is in close contact with the aid workers’ relatives, who are deeply concerned and affected by the situation. The relatives have informed the Danish Refugee Council, that they are not interested in any media inquiries. At the present time, they need privacy and time with their families and friends. The Danish Refugee Council encourages the media to appreciate and respect their needs.

Since 1998, The Danish Refugee Council has been working in the region in close cooperation with the Somali local community. In a difficult time, where the Somali people are already facing extreme difficulties due to conflicts and drought, it is essential to secure access for humanitarian assistance to the people in need.

Out of consideration for the safety of the two kidnapped aid workers, The Danish Refugee Council cannot elaborate further details on the current situation.

All media inquiries should be directed to the Danish Refugee Council in Copenhagen.