UN Geneva Office increases security measures amid terror threat in Europe

The United Nations has introduced stricter security measures at its Geneva Office amid an enhanced terror threat level in Europe, the Office’s Director-General Michael Moller said in a message released to UN employees on Thursday.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – The document details the introduction of random inspections of personal cars at the entry to the territory of the Office. The verification of employees’ and visitors’ passes will also be intensified at the European headquarters of the organization.

"These random controls should be seen as a preliminary measure, with a view towards full compliance with United Nations security standards in the future which will entail screening of all vehicles entering the UN compound and stricter access control to buildings," Moller said in the statement.

A spokesperson for the security staff at the Office told RIA Novosti that the security measures were being enhanced due to increased terrorist activity in Europe and in Switzerland in particular, as well as the corresponding governmental measures to protect the citizens.

According to the spokesperson, the security measures will be significantly strengthened starting July, following the director-general’s order.

EU states have been boosting their security following a series of terrorist attacks, including attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015 and in Brussels on March 22, 2016.