UN in Iraq commemorates 18th anniversary of the 2003 terrorist attack on the UN offices in Baghdad

Iraq, 19 August 2021 - The United Nations in Iraq today commemorated the 18th anniversary of the 2003 terrorist attack on the UN offices in Baghdad in which 22 UN colleagues lost their lives.

The ceremony held this morning at UNAMI Headquarters in Baghdad, at the UNAMI Regional Support Office in Erbil, and at the UNAMI office in Kirkuk, also marks the observance of World Humanitarian Day designated by the General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the date of the bombing in Baghdad. The Canal Hotel bombing (19 August 2003) was a massive loss for the United Nations and the humanitarian community, and marked a turning point for humanitarian operations in Iraq and worldwide. World Humanitarian Day also honours humanitarian aid workers who have been killed or injured during the course of their work. The ceremony also marked the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Today and always, we remember our fallen colleagues. #WorldHumanitarianDay

Video produced by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)