Statement by the President of the UN General Assembly on the observance of the first anniversary of the Baghdad tragedy, Johannesbury, South Africa

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATEMENT BY

THE PRESIDENT OF THE FIFTY-EIGHTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
H.E. MR JULIAN R HUNTE

ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY
OF THE BAGHDAD TRAGEDY
Johannesburg, South Africa

19 AUGUST 2004

The year since the August 19, 2003 tragedy in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of Sergio Vieira de Mello and many members of our United Nations family and injured others, has been one of reflection for the organisation and indeed for the world.

We remember with great sadness those dedicated and committed men and women who did not shy away from danger, but with courage and conviction stood on the frontline and ensured that the United Nations could live up to the ideals of its Charter.

Today we join hands and hearts with their families, friends and colleagues in remembering those who lost their lives and those who were injured in Baghdad and all who have fallen in the service of the United Nations.

It is deplorable that these dedicated and selfless United Nations staff in the service of humanity were targeted while working for peace. I commend the men and women of the United Nations who tirelessly continue the critical work of the organisation in this unstable and often perilous world.

I urge that we give full effect to the goals and objectives of the Charter so that the United Nations may continue to stand above the confusion that surrounds us and that its staff will no longer be in constant danger but may faithfully serve the people of the world.