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Remember the Fallen

In Memoriam - Algiers (2007)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon updates staff
on Algiers toll (Bali, 13 December 2007)


Dear colleagues, Dear friends, As the death toll in the Algiers bombings rises, I am profoundly saddened to confirm that at least nine United Nations staff members are among those who perished. They are Mr. Babacar Ndiaye of UN Department of Safety and Security, Senegal; Mr. Hanniche Abel-Rahim of ILO, Algeria; Mr. Nabil Slimani of UNHCR, Algeria; Mr. Adnane Souilah of UNFPA, Algeria; Mr. Kamel Sait of UNFPA, Algeria; Mr. Hind Boukroufa of UNDP, Algeria; Mr. Djamel Rezzoug of UNDP, Algeria; Mr. Steven Olejas of UNDP, Denmark; Ms. Gina Luna of WFP, Philippines. They will never be forgotten.

There are several more injured and missing; information is still coming in. Rescue workers have helped to remove several UN staff alive from the rubble, and they are now receiving medical treatment. We send all of them our prayers.

The senior UN team I have dispatched to Algiers will be visiting the injured, as well as the families of those national staff who were lost. I have asked them to assess the overall situation as thoroughly as possible, and report back to me.

Let me assure all UN staff around the world: I will spare no effort in ensuring we provide adequate security for you, wherever you serve. We will look at all possible ways, with all parts of the system, and with Member States, to ensure that this is done.

My thoughts are with all of you.