Baghdad: The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the people and government of Iraq, stressing that its work will continue in line with the principles of the UN Charter, despite the upcoming conclusion of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) at the end of this year.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, speaking at a memorial ceremony on Tuesday marking the 22nd anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Ambassador Mohamed Al-Hassan, reflected on the tragic event. Al-Hassan recalled that the attack claimed the lives of 22 UN staff members, including Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello, and left more than 150 others injured. He emphasized that the bombing was a turning point for the United Nations, leaving a lasting wound on the humanitarian community and dealing a blow to the people of Iraq, who were already enduring immense suffering.
Highlighting ongoing global challenges, the UN envoy noted that last year alone, 390 humanitarian workers were killed, an increase of 31% compared to 2023, most of them local staff, with the highest tolls recorded in Gaza and Sudan.
He added that, as Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres underlined during his visit to Iraq last May, August 19 has forever transformed from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy in Iraq into a global day of remembrance for all humanitarian workers inside and outside the UN.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Hassan emphasized that this year’s commemoration carries a special meaning, as it marks the final one for UNAMI. He reaffirmed that the values upheld by the UN will not end with the mission’s departure. The United Nations will continue to work alongside the people and government of Iraq, guided by the principles of the UN Charter, and with deep respect for the resilience of Iraqis and gratitude for the trust they have placed in the organization. Whatever achievements have been made, they were achieved together, as partners, for they ultimately belong to Iraq and its people.