Honoring all humanitarians who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Let us ensure that humanitarians everywhere are protected, supported and never forgotten.
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Let us ensure that humanitarians everywhere are protected, supported and never forgotten.
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This is a day of remembrance. Remembrance of the 22 United Nations colleagues killed in the bombing of our headquarters in Baghdad.
Remembrance for the many who were injured. Remembrance for their families and loved ones, whose grief has never ended. And remembrance for all whose lives were forever changed on that terrible day.
Twenty-three years is a long time. And yet, for so many of us — especially the survivors here today — it does not feel distant at all. Last year, I had the honor of visiting the memorial in Baghdad dedicated to our fallen colleagues.
The Canal Hotel was a place filled with people driven by a shared conviction: that even in the most difficult circumstances, humanity, solidarity and hope must prevail. Among those we lost was Sérgio Vieira de Mello, a remarkable servant of peace. Alongside him were women and men of exceptional courage and dedication, from many countries and backgrounds, united by a commitment to serve others. Their legacy lives on in every humanitarian worker delivering assistance amid conflict, disaster and despair. In every [United Nations] colleague serving far from home under difficult and dangerous conditions. And in every act of solidarity with people whose suffering is so often unseen and whose voices are [so] often unheard.
Today, as we mark World Humanitarian Day, that legacy feels more urgent than ever. Around the world, humanitarians face escalating dangers — attacked, detained, injured and killed.
Meanwhile, the rules designed to protect civilians — including humanitarian personnel — are being violated with alarming frequency and impunity. Yet despite these challenges, humanitarians continue to show up. They enter hostile areas and into active conflict. They reach communities others cannot reach. They bring food, medicine, protection and shelter. And they carry hope.
Over many years, and in many places, I have seen that spirit up close. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve alongside them and all of you.
Today, we honor those we lost in Baghdad and all humanitarians who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And we make a pledge: To all those who show up for others, let us show up for them. Let us carry forward their example. Let us uphold the values they lived by. Let us defend the principles they served. And let us ensure that humanitarians everywhere are protected, supported and never forgotten.
(United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the Remembrance Commemoration marking the 23rd Anniversary of the Bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad in New York, on 19 August 2026.)
