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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked World Humanitarian Day on August 19 by attending a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the bombing of the organization’s headquarters in Baghdad.
Guterres laid a wreath before a plaque honoring those killed in the attack and observed a moment of silence. The ceremony was held near the UN flag that flew above Baghdad’s Canal Hotel at the time of the bombing and was later recovered and brought to UN Headquarters.
“This is a day of remembrance. Remembrance of the 22 United Nations colleagues killed in the bombing of our headquarters in Baghdad. Remembrance for the many who were injured. Remembrance for their families and loved ones, whose grief has never ended. And remembrance for all whose lives were forever changed on that terrible day,” Guterres said.
“Twenty-three years is a long time,” he said, adding that for many people, particularly the survivors who attended the ceremony, the tragedy does not feel distant.
“Last year, I had the honor of visiting the memorial in Baghdad dedicated to our fallen colleagues,” Guterres said. He described the Canal Hotel as a place filled with people guided by a shared conviction that humanity, solidarity and hope must prevail, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Among those killed was Sérgio Vieira de Mello, whom Guterres described as a remarkable servant of peace. The other victims included women and men from various countries and backgrounds who were united by their commitment to serving others, he said.
“Their legacy lives on in every humanitarian worker delivering assistance amid conflict, disaster and despair,” Guterres said. “In every United Nations colleague serving far from home under difficult and dangerous conditions.”
He said their legacy could also be seen in every act of solidarity with people whose suffering often goes unnoticed and whose voices frequently remain unheard.
“Today, as we mark World Humanitarian Day, that legacy feels more urgent than ever,” Guterres said, noting that humanitarian workers around the world face escalating threats and are being “attacked, detained, injured and killed.”
He warned that rules intended to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, are being violated with alarming “frequency and impunity.” Despite those dangers, humanitarian workers continue to serve communities in need, he said.
“They enter hostile areas and active conflicts. They reach communities others cannot reach. They bring food, medicine, protection and shelter. And they carry hope,” Guterres said.
“Over many years, and in many places, I have seen that spirit up close,” he added. “It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve alongside them.”
Ambassador Mohammed Marzooq, deputy permanent representative of Iraq to the United Nations, also recalled the August 19, 2009, bombing of Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, which killed 47 people.
“For Iraq, these painful events are a reminder that terrorism knows no nationality, no religion or border. It is against humanity, and it must be confronted with unity, determination and courage,” Marzooq said.
He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering and strengthening the international community’s collective fight against terrorism.
Abdul Alrshid, co-chair of the UN Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service, expressed concern about growing humanitarian risks and rising casualty figures. He said Lebanon had surpassed Mali in the number of UN personnel killed, with seven peacekeepers killed and dozens injured this year.
Alrshid also said 350 humanitarian workers and at least 30 journalists and media workers had been killed globally.
At the same time, he noted that social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are transforming how people follow global events. As public attention shifts rapidly, he said, crises in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine risk fading from view.
“Keeping these lives visible and their stories alive is part of protecting them,” Alrshid said.
Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Dr. Atul Khare, other dignitaries, and UN staff were also present at the ceremony.
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