19 August 2005 is the two-year anniversary of the bombing of United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad in which 22 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured.

In New York, staff will be invited to observe a minute of silence at 10:30 a.m. This will be preceded by an announcement through the security broadcast system across the Headquarters complex.

Offices away from Headquarters should observe a minute of silence at the time that is most convenient for them.

Staff in New York who wish to visit the Memorial to the Fallen may do so at a time of their choosing. Located in the North Lawn and dedicated to all UN staff who have lost their lives in the line of duty, the Memorial provides a place for reflection. Staff will have access to the North Lawn, normally restricted for security reasons, throughout the day in order to visit the Memorial.