United Nations Radio

UN staff in New York today paid tribute to their colleagues, who have been killed in service since December 2005.

Two hundred ninety-four names of the fallen civil and military personnel were read at the flag raising ceremony, which is traditionally held on UN Staff Day. They include 17 international and local staff who died in the attack on the UN premises in Algiers on 11th December last year. Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said that the UN family mourns the loss of its members, but also celebrates their lives and achievements:

"In doing so we renew our commitment to the very principles for which they made the ultimate sacrifice. We owe it to them to ensure that hope for a better world remains alive. We must ensure that their lost has not been in vain. We must work together to assure the security and safety of colleagues who continue to demonstrate courage and perseverance in carrying out their duties in the challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions."

The biggest attack on the UN was the suicide bombing of its headquarters in Baghdad on 19th August 2003. It killed 22 UN staff members including the head of the mission, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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