The Irish newspaper Irish Times informed that the UN had banned its staff from using the words "war" or "invasion" to describe Russia's actions in Ukraine.
In an e-mail to the organization's staff on Monday (7 March), the UN Communications Department stressed not to describe the situation as a war and not add the Ukrainian flag to personal or official social media accounts or websites. Instead, UN staff have to use the terms "conflict" or "military offensive" to describe Russia's invasion.
Journalists got also acquainted with such a letter from the department.
The UN explained that such a communication policy is a way to avoid reputational risk.
"This is an important reminder that we, as international civil servants, have a responsibility to be impartial," the e-mail said.
The language policy has raised concern that the UN has gone too far in the attempt not to offend Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
It may be recalled that on 4 March, the UN Human Rights Council established an international commission to investigate Russian war crimes against Ukrainians.
On 26 February, Russia blocked the United Nations resolution condemning Russia's military attack on Ukraine.