SECRETARY-GENERAL, EXPRESSING GREAT SADNESS AT DEATH OF POUL HARTLING, SAYS UN "HAS LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST AND MOST ADMIRED LEADERS"
Press Release
SG/SM/7375
SECRETARY-GENERAL, EXPRESSING GREAT SADNESS AT DEATH OF POUL HARTLING, SAYS UN HAS LOST ONE OF ITS FINEST AND MOST ADMIRED LEADERS
20000502It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of my friend, colleague and mentor Poul Hartling. As United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1978-1985, he revitalized its mission, and gave it new purpose from the Horn of Africa to Central America and to Viet Nam.
A distinguished political leader and great humanitarian, Poul Hartling devoted his life to improving the condition of all refugees, and called on all peoples to be generous and humane towards the displaced in their midst. It was only fitting that he was the one to receive the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1981 on behalf of UNHCR. I can think of no individual who embodied its highest ideals more fully and more consistently than Poul Hartling.
To those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and serving with him, he leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication - a legacy that remains an inspiration for all who seek to aid the most vulnerable of our world: the refugees, the poor, the victims of war and violence. We can pay no higher tribute to his life and work than to redouble our efforts to aid those in need today, and to prevent future conflicts.
The United Nations has lost one of its finest and most admired leaders.
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