ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, COLLEAGUES, PAY TRIBUTE TO SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO

19 August 2003




The following statement was issued today by acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan:


"We in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have lost a leader, a colleague and a dear friend. The United Nations, Iraq and the world have lost a tireless and selfless public servant who paid the ultimate price doing what he believed in deeply: defending the inherent and inalienable dignity and rights of every human being.

Sergio’s abilities were beyond question, which was why he went to so many trouble spots around the world.

We believe the best tribute we could pay to him and the other colleagues who lost their lives in this despicable attack is to carry on with their mission of assisting the people of Iraq to rebuild their country and build a solid foundation of human rights.

We, like the Secretary-General, share the grief of Sergio’s family. I reach out in spirit to my friend and colleague, in respect and appreciation, and extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones".




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