The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the tragic fire that occurred last night in a nightclub in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He was especially moved by news of the very large number of young people, including university students, who have reportedly perished as a result of the fire.

The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives were lost, as well as to the Brazilian government and people at large at this time of national mourning.