probationary appointment as a prerequisite for a career appointment following a period of five years' satisfactory service on fixed-term contracts". He stated that he would immediately resign from any post held in his home country, if this was a requirement for the United Nations to offer him a probationary appointment. Finally, he noted that he feared for his safety and that of his family if he were to return to China, because of his participation in protest activities against the manner in which the Chinese Government had dealt with the student demonstrations in Beijing. In similar letters dated 2 October 1989, the Applicants Yao and Zhou requested the Assistant Secretary-General, OHRM, to grant them career appointments on the ground that they fulfilled the requirements set forth in General Assembly resolutions 37/126 and 38/232. The Applicant Yao stated that he had "never been associated with the Chinese Government". He also admitted his involvement in the protest against recent events in his home country and said that he would face serious consequences if his employment with the United- 6 - Nations were terminated and he had to return to his country. The Applicant Zhou argued that as a staff member of the Secretariat, he should not "automatically be denied the right to equal treatment with other staff members because [he came] from a certain country". Furthermore, he asserted that recent events in his country gave him reason to fear for his safety and future if he were to return. He admitted to having been seconded from the Chinese Government but informed the Assistant Secretary-General, OHRM, that he had handed in his resignation to the Foreign Ministry of China in June 1989. On 13 November 1989, the Applicant Qiu notified the Personnel Department of the Foreign Ministry of China that he would "resign
**Analysis**
The text appears to be related to the employment and career development of individuals, specifically Chinese nationals who have been involved in protest activities against their government. The language used is formal and official, suggesting a bureaucratic or administrative context. The applicants are seeking career appointments with the United Nations, which implies a connection to international organizations and diplomacy.

**Category**
Employment