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Statements Archive |
LAST UPDATE
July 11, 2005
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| August 21, 2003 |
Statement
by Peace Boat on the attack on UN Headquarters in Baghdad and the death of Sergio Vieira
de Mello |
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Peace Boat condemns the intentional and unprovoked attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad
without reservation. This attack is an unconscionable crime and a serious blow to the UN and
the international community's efforts to assist the people of Iraq.
Despite the United States-led
coalition's invasion of Iraq having been made without the sanction of UN member states and against
the will of the international community five months ago, we respect and support the United Nation's
presence in Iraq to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country and their lives. It is especially
tragic that delegates of the UN, who were assisting in the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts
for the benefit of Iraqi civilians, have become the victims.
The death of United Nations Special
Envoy Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, is a terrible loss not only to the United Nations and the
people of Iraq but also to the international human rights and peace movement.
As United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Vieira de Mello worked in various difficult
and dangerous places in the world, providing assistance and protection to refugees, displaced
persons and victims of human rights abuse.
As Head of United Nations Transitional Administration
in East Timor (UNTAET), Mr. Vieira de Mello warmly welcomed Peace Boat when our ship called
to Dili in December 2000 as part of an Asia Pacific peace education voyage. At the time,
Mr. Vieira de Mello hosted our 500 person delegation and made a memorable and inspiring
speech, emphasizing his strong conviction in UN-led initiatives to help bring about a peaceful
future both in East Timor and in the wider international community. Despite being a UN
career diplomat, Mr. Vieira de Mello stressed he was also a firm believer in the work of
civil society in peace-building efforts. He also communicated the importance of strengthening
co-operation between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. He was particularly
supportive of the people-to-people diplomacy that Peace Boat engages in with local communities
as it travels around the world, and provided much inspiration to Peace Boat participants
and staff. We will continue to remember this exceptional and impressive man.
Peace Boat expresses
its deep sympathy for the scores of people who were killed or injured in the blast and convey
its heartfelt sympathy to their loved ones. We offer our strongest support to the United Nations
in light of this devastating setback and send our encouragement to all the people working towards
creating an independent and peaceful life for the people of Iraq. |
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