The FIDH sends its thoughts to the families of all the victims and to the whole UN staff.
The FIDH strongly condemns this attack, which directly targeted the United Nations and thus its efforts for the reconstruction of Iraq and the promotion of human rights in the country. It is a shock for all those who work for the defence of human rights in Iraq and throughout the world.
The death of Sergio Vieira de Mello is an invaluable loss for the cause of human rights in the world. Mr. Vieira de Mello was a highly professional public servant, dedicated to the promotion of human rights. He had proved his abilities in providing assistance and protection to refugees, displaced persons and victims of human rights abuse and as a mediator in post-conflict situations. His appointment as the UN Special Representative in Iraq was unanimously approved by human rights NGOs as the best step towards the respect of the fundamental rights of the Iraqi people.
Mr. Vieira de Mello’s work shall not be abandoned. Therefore, the FIDH welcomes the intent expressed today by Kofi Annan to carry on the United Nations mission in Iraq. Moreover, the FIDH calls for the international community through the UN Security Council to take a leading role in the reconstruction of Iraq.