United Nations in Iraq Commemorates 23rd Anniversary of Canal Hotel Bombing

The United Nations in Iraq today commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, honouring the 22 United Nations colleagues who lost their lives in the attack on 19 August 2003 and paying tribute to the survivors, families and all those affected.

The commemoration brought together United Nations personnel and H.E. Ambassador Al-Manhal Hussein Al-Safi, representing the President of the Republic of Iraq. The ceremony included the Iraqi national anthem, a moment of silence, remarks, a staff reflection and the laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Addressing the commemoration, acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, recalled the human toll of the attack and paid tribute to the colleagues whose lives and service continue to inspire the United Nations.

Twenty-two UN colleagues were killed in the bombing, while many others were injured. Hawkins also paid particular tribute to the survivors, some of whom attended today’s commemoration, as well as to the families whose lives were forever changed by the attack.

“The greatest tribute we can pay to those we lost is to carry forward the values for which they lived and served,” Hawkins said.

He stressed that the attack, which sought to spread fear and division, instead strengthened the United Nations’ determination to continue working for peace, humanity and dignity. He also recognized the profound contribution Iraqis have made to the work of the United Nations and their resilience, courage and determination through years of challenge and hardship.

Speaking on behalf of the Presidency of the Republic of Iraq, Ambassador Al-Safi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to its partnership with the United Nations, emphasizing that the attack failed to break the partnership between the Organization and the Government.

“The attack did not weaken the relationship between Iraq and the United Nations; rather, it strengthened our determination to continue cooperation and joint work in the service of peace and humanity,” Ambassador Al-Safi said.

The ceremony concluded with Ambassador Al-Safi laying a wreath on behalf of the President of the Republic of Iraq, followed by Hawkins laying a wreath on behalf of the United Nations.

The bombing of the Canal Hotel remains a defining moment for the United Nations. The anniversary, observed on World Humanitarian Day, is an occasion to remember those who lost their lives, stand in solidarity with survivors and families, and reaffirm the values of peace, dignity and shared humanity for which they served.