国际英语资讯:UN commemorates fallen colleagues in 2003 Baghdad attack_时事

国际英语资讯:UN commemorates fallen colleagues in 2003 Baghdad attack

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 19 -- The United Nations held a wreath-laying ceremony Monday to commemorate its 22 staffers killed in the 2003 attack in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

The ceremony took place at Memorial Wall inside the UN General Assembly Visitors Lobby, where a flag retrieved from the bombing site is framed and preserved.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed led a minute of silence in honor of all the UN personnel who sacrificed their lives in the service of the world body.

In her remarks, Mohammed said the loss of their lives has "brought important lessons," leading to changes at the United Nations.

国际英语资讯:UN commemorates fallen colleagues in 2003 Baghdad attack1

She said the United Nations now operates around the world with strengthened safety and security measures, preparedness training programs, integrated rapid response, increased counselling and mental health support.

This year's observance highlights women humanitarians. "Their presence makes our efforts more effective, from addressing health epidemics to providing support to victims of gender-based violence," said Mohammed.

She also expressed her confidence that her colleagues will never lose faith in the role of the United Nations, and that they will remain determined to fulfil their responsibility to work for peace, development and human rights.

"Those who attack the United Nations want to make us afraid, feel weak, and to retreat. Those we honor today inspire us to be bold and determined to go forward," she said.