ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES SHOCK AND OUTRAGE OVER EXPLOSION IN BAGHDAD

19 August 2003




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


"We are deeply shocked and outraged by the explosion at United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad. We are anxiously awaiting further information on the situation of our dear friends and colleagues, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello. Our thoughts are foremost with them and with their families. Such a despicable act directed at people whose only aim is to assist the people of Iraq recover from war and years of oppression is to be condemned by the whole international community".




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