Celebrity Media Commentator: On this day twenty-two years ago, August 19, 2003, the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was struck by a terrorist attack. Twenty-two of our UN colleagues in Iraq lost their lives, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Sérgio Vieira de Mello. This bombing not only shocked Iraq but also became one of the most painful memories in United Nations history.
At the commemoration held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare spoke with deep respect. He emphasized that the Canal Hotel was not only the UN’s mission base in Iraq but also a symbol of its presence and purpose. The attack happened precisely because it represented peace, dignity, and justice. He urged: “Today, as we lay the wreaths, let it be our pledge: we will not forget, we will carry on their legacy.”
Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Lukman Al-Faily, spoke with deep emotion. He recalled the tragedy of that day and noted that six years later, on the same date, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was again targeted by terrorists, killing 47 people. He said: “Terrorism is the common enemy of all humanity. Iraq will steadfastly stand alongside the international community, support humanitarian efforts, and fight against terror and violence.” His words expressed Iraq’s gratitude to the UN while revealing its yearning for lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Abdul Al-Rashid, representing the Security Council, shifted the focus to the present. He pointed out that this year has become the most dangerous so far for UN humanitarian workers, with 380 attacks leading to more than 120 aid workers killed. Nearly two-thirds of them lost their lives in Gaza, and UNRWA alone has lost 243 staff members. He asked gravely: “How can those responsible for the deaths of aid workers and civilians continue to go unpunished?” His words were not only a condemnation of terrorists but also a challenge to the international community.
We believe these three speakers, from different perspectives, revealed a common theme: remembrance belongs not only to the past but also to the future. The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized the UN’s values and commitment, the Iraqi Ambassador expressed the suffering and resilience of the victimized nation, while Al-Rashid highlighted today’s urgent concern for humanitarian workers’ safety. Together, they painted a vivid picture of the international community confronting the challenge of terrorism.
UN Secretary-General Spokesperson: Stéphane Dujarric de la Rivière
However, it is heartbreaking that terrorist attacks have not diminished over time, but in some regions have even worsened. Commemoration cannot remain at the ceremonial level alone; it cannot answer the sacrifice of the victims. True remembrance must be action: strengthening protection for humanitarian personnel, ensuring international law and accountability mechanisms are enforced, and preventing humanitarian work from becoming a casualty of violence.
As flowers were laid and silence observed, Celebrity Media joins all participants in underscoring: to carry on their legacy is not only mourning but also responsibility. Each life lost reminds the international community that peace and dignity are not abstract words, but commitments written with the lives of generations of dedicated people. True remembrance is to ensure their unfinished mission continues today.
