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-Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ headquarters in Baghdad.?
The ceremony was held at the location of the Canal Hotel, now the Al-Qanat Social Rehabilitation Centre.?Government and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵAMI 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 ¨C from being respected, to being targeted ¨C 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.¡±
