News Focus: UN observes anniversary of terror attack on its Baghdad office

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at wreath-laying ceremony commemorating 6th anniversary of Baghdad bombing, 19 Aug. '09

UN News Centre | News Focus: UN observes anniversary of terror attack on its Baghdad office

Paying tribute to victims of deadly bombing of the UN office in Baghdad:

• Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and survivors of the attack attended the ceremony at UN Headquarters. | Remarks

• The programme included the world premiere of a new work of classical music written in memory of UN staff who have perished in the line of duty. | Video of ceremony

Key resources:

The attack and its aftermath

The Baghdad bombing 'remains one of the UN's darkest days' – Ban Ki-moon

One month after terror attack, UN flag back at full mast in Baghdad

On 19 August 2003, a brutal terrorist attack on UN headquarters in Baghdad killed 22 people, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Annan condemns attack, returns to New York

Security Council denounces attack, voices resolve to aid peace

· Independent panel releases findings on investigation into 19 August bombing of UN office

- News story | Briefing summary

· Strong measures announced in wake of security probe

- Report | News story | Statement | Briefing summary

- More on the attack and its aftermath

The victims

'A roll call ofHEROES that would be the envy of any nation'

The tributes

Tributes

· UN staff around the world gather in remembrance of 2003 Baghdad attack

· The ache is 'almost too much to bear' Annan tells grieving staff

· Annan, pays tribute to "a roll call of heroes that would be the envy of any nation"

· Annan mourns envoy's death as 'bitter blow' for UN

· At envoy's wake, Annan vows UN will complete work in Iraq

· Tributes pour in for slain UN staff

· Slain staff eulogized at prayer service on eve of Assembly session

· 'Un homme de terrain'

Shashi Tharoor, writes about his friend Sergio Vieira de Mello

· Video tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello and UN staff who died in the bombing [5:50min.]

· UN officials pay tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello at memorial symposium

· Slain UN envoy begins final journey home

· UN staff worldwide march in silent memorial to victims

· Sergio Vieira de Mello laid to rest in Geneva

· UN Geneva office pays final tribute to victims

Memorial

Memorial to the Fallen

The Memorial is dedicated to UN staff members who lost their lives in the service of peace.

It was funded from the 1988 Nobel Peace Prize award to the UN peacekeeping forces. It has as its centerpiece a wall of crystal glass with the words, "Remember here those who gave their lives for peace" inscribed in the six official languages of the Organization.

A bubbling fountain in the centre of the Memorial projects sound into the space.

UN Offices

High Commissioner for Human Rights