Marking the 23rd anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, Secretary-General António Guterres today (19 Aug) said, “around the world, humanitarians face escalating dangers – attacked, detained, injured and killed,” while, the rules designed to protect humanitarian personnel “are being violated with alarming frequency and impunity.”

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Following a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the plaque honouring those who lost their lives in Baghdad, Guterres said the Canal Hotel, where the UN Headquarters in Baghdad were housed, “was a place filled with people driven by a shared conviction: that even in the most difficult circumstances, humanity, solidarity and hope must prevail.”

Among them, he recalled was Sérgio Vieira de Mello, “a remarkable servant of peace,” while alongside him were “women and men of exceptional courage and dedication, from many countries and backgrounds, united by a commitment to serve others.”

Their legacy, the Secretary-General said, “lives on in every humanitarian worker delivering assistance amid conflict, disaster and despair.”

For his part, Iraq’s Deputy Permanent Representative Mohammed Marzooq said, “terrorism knows no nationality, no religion or border. It's against of humanity. And it must be confronted with unity, determination and courage.”

Marzooq reaffirmed Iraq's “unwavering commitment to supporting all efforts to alleviate human suffering, and to continuing our collective fight against terrorism,” and expressed “deep appreciation to the men and women of the United Nations who served or have served and continue to serve in Iraq.”

The ceremony also marked the observance of World Humanitarian Day designated by the General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the date of the bombing in Baghdad. The Day also honours humanitarian aid workers who have been killed or injured in the course of their work.