Speech by Mr. György Busztin, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, commemorating the World Humanitarian Day, we stand here again to remember those colleagues who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of humanity and the cause for the United Nations.

We are here again to honour our fallen colleagues who devoted themselves to help people, avert conflicts, and bring peace and stability to the world - and to this country which is so rich in history, culture, diversity, and resources.

This day makes us recall the tragic event in the summer of 2003 that targeted the headquarters of the United Nations mission in this city, where all of us are serving now. Unfortunately, the Canal Hotel bombing in which twenty-two UN staff member lost their lives 14 years ago, including SRSG Sérgio Vieira de Mello, while many others were injured, was not the last of sorrow for the United Nations in Iraq. Our colleagues Hajji Anas and, more recently, Amir Al-Qaisi also lost their lives, while discharging their duties. Their sacrifice as well as their achievements shall be remembered as they all fell in the pursuit of a better future for Iraq and Iraqis. The gravity of their loss was such that the General Assembly later designated 19 August as the World Humanitarian Day.

Colleagues,

Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to continue to work hard - and work together - in order to attain a better world - a world which is more tolerant and which respects the rights of everyone living in it. Let us renew our commitment to do so in a more determined manner in Iraq, the Middle East, and any other parts of the world. In this way, we can make sure that the legacy of our fallen colleagues will be ever-lasting and ever-present.  

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let us have a minute of silence in tribute to those dedicated men and women.

Thank you.