The Government of Iraq, the United Nations, and the international community paid tribute to the victims and families of the 19 August 2003 terrorist attack on the then-UN headquarters in Baghdad.?
The ceremony was held at the location of the Canal Hotel, now the Al-Qanat Social Rehabilitation Centre.?Government and UN officials delivered speeches at the 20th commemoration of this tragic event.
"The past 20 years have brought about change in Iraq. Few would deny that it has been a very rough road. But throughout these years, the United Nations has not given up on its efforts to contribute to peace and stability throughout the country,” said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, in .
“Today, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to those who are missing colleagues, friends and loved ones not only today, but every day.”
A memorial plaque inscribed with names of the fallen was unveiled by a survivor of the attack, a UNAMI staff member, who also spoke on behalf of other victims.
One wreath was laid at the memorial plaque by Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert on behalf of the United Nations; the second wreath was laid by the Deputy of the Prime Minister of Iraq; and the third wreath was laid on behalf of the international community by the Ambassador of Canada.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the victims of the bombing.
After the official ceremony, each person in attendance filed to the memorial plaque to place a white rose.?
The 2003 attack profoundly changed the way in which humanitarians operate – from being respected, to being targeted – and led to the creation of World Humanitarian Day.?
“We acknowledge the people across the world who are working, sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances, and at great personal risk,” Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said.
“We acknowledge the people who are working to assist those in dire need.”
