António Guterres was talking throughout a wreath-laying ceremony at a memorial in Baghdad to honour the victims of the 19 August 2003 Canal Lodge bombing – the worst terrorist assault in UN historical past.
Twenty-two individuals have been killed, together with the then UN Particular Consultant for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Greater than 100 others have been injured, and a number of other survivors attended the ceremony.
Households nonetheless mourning
Mr. Guterres advised the viewers that “22 years is a very long time, however we’ll always remember the colleagues who have been killed that day within the bombing on the Canal Lodge.”
These workers members “have been sons, daughters, moms, fathers and pals who’re, to today, mourned by these they knew and cherished,” he mentioned.
“We are going to at all times keep in mind their chief, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was additionally killed within the assault. We are going to stand with the survivors whose lives have been modified endlessly,” he added.
“And we’ll keep in mind the brave colleagues and others who rushed to assist on that horrible day, and within the days and weeks after — displaying us the perfect of the humanitarian spirit.”
A tribute and reminder
Mr. Guterres mentioned the memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the individuals of Iraq. It additionally serves as a reminder of how far the nation has come since 2003.
He famous that the men and women of the United Nations have labored tirelessly along with the courageous and resilient individuals of Iraq to assist their quest for stability, growth and peace.
He pressured that above all, the memorial is “a transparent reminder of the very important work that our group does all over the world — and the hazards our individuals face in finishing up that work.”
Remembering humanitarians worldwide
5 years after the assault the UN Normal Meeting adopted a decision designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.
This date “has been endlessly remodeled from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy right here in Iraq into a world day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and outdoors the group,” Mr. Guterres mentioned.
“Their bravery, dedication, and perception that a greater future is feasible will at all times encourage us. And like these whose lives have been misplaced on 19 August 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our very important reason for peace — won’t ever be forgotten.”
Assembly with Iraqi Prime Minister
The Secretary-Normal was in Baghdad to attend the League of Arab States Summit. He additionally met with senior Iraqi officers, together with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Throughout talks on Sunday, they mentioned developments in Iraq and the area, in addition to the remaining interval of the UN Help Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
The Secretary-Normal reaffirmed that the UN stays totally dedicated to persevering with to assist the Authorities and other people of Iraq following the Mission’s departure.
UNAMI has been within the nation since 2003 and is working to conclude its mandate by the tip of the 12 months.
