World Humanitarian Day 2012 – Unveiling of Plaque

Distinguished Ambassadors
Members of the families of the victims
Mr. Mayor
Mr. Guterres
Ms. Pillay
Mr. President of the ICRC
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I thank you again for being part of our celebrations of World Humanitarian Day and paying tribute to humanitarians across the world. Please join me in a minute of silence in honour of the colleagues and friends who have given their lives in the service of humanity.

[Minute of silence]

Nine years ago on 19 August, the United Nations lost 22 brave, principled and deeply dedicated colleagues in the senseless terrorist attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. And we have since lost colleagues in Algeria, Nigeria, Haiti and many other places. Our humanitarian colleagues in the ICRC and civil society have suffered their own losses, too, and we are grateful that they are here today to remember with us.

We have come together, as the humanitarian family, to show that the legacy of our fallen colleagues lives on within the United Nations and beyond. Their memory does not fade with time. It is a constant reminder of the values we believe in and the noble cause of a better world that we serve. I extend a special welcome to the families and friends of the victims and survivors of the Canal Hotel bombing who have been able to join us today, or are following our activities from afar. The contributions of your loved ones are always remembered. Their sacrifice continues to humble and move us.

From across the world, our colleagues had come to Iraq, committed to help their fellow human beings. I appreciate that the Permanent Representative of Iraq is with us today; you heard him speak eloquently earlier about the impact of the attack on the people of Iraq. Our ceremony today also serves to highlight the United Nations’ continued commitment to assisting the Iraqi people in shaping a prosperous and peaceful future. I salute their fortitude and determination in this endeavour.

Dear colleagues:
Each one of the 22 names on the plaque, which we rededicate today, is a source of inspiration. We are inspired by their courage. By their compassion. By their conviction that one person’s suffering is everyone’s responsibility. Each one of them was a hero to the cause of humanitarianism.

We place them at the centre of our activities so that their determination to help the vulnerable and the voiceless may guide our actions. In repositioning the plaque here today, I would like to confirm the commitment of the United Nations to the cause of peace and security all over the world. We must work hard to fulfil our mission. We must be strong; we should continue to find strength. I believe we find that strength in the memory of those we lost.

The location of the plaque next to the remnants of the flag that flew outside the United Nations offices in Algiers where we lost 17 colleagues in December 2007 is a poignant reminder of the continuous threat to humanitarians. Our commemoration today is an occasion also to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and security of staff in the face of violence and intimidation, and to pledge to continue all efforts to protect them. Acts of terrorism and attacks on our humanitarian principles will not discourage or deter us from helping people. But, as the Secretary-General has often stressed, we have a moral duty to protect the brave men and women of the United Nations.

The colleagues we lost in Baghdad, and in other tragedies, represented the best of the United Nations and of the humanitarian community. A deep-seated sense of responsibility towards others. Commitment to the dignity and worth of every human being. Belief in a better future for all. Determination to act to make this belief a reality. We honour their memory by carrying forward their work in the service of the people who need us the most.

I thank you for your attention.