DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, ON STAFF DAY, PAYS TRIBUTE TO FALLEN COLLEAGUES,

URGES RENEWAL OF COMMITMENT TO PRINCIPLES FOR WHICH THEY SACRIFICED

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro’s remarks at the flag raising ceremony on the occasion of Staff Day, at United Nations Headquarters in New York, on Friday, 25 April:

We gather this morning to pay tribute to colleagues who have given their lives in defending the principles on which the United Nations was founded. 

For over 60 years these principles have inspired thousands to dedicate their talents and their lives to the work of our Organization in serving humanity.  In many instances, staff have found themselves far away from the comfort of their homes, family and friends.  Their willingness to serve says so much about their determination to uphold the ideals of human rights, human dignity and human development.

We in the United Nations family -- be it civilian or military personnel -– are privileged to form a unique world family.  It is one united by a common vision and a deep faith in the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

As with any family that suffers the loss of its members, we must take the time to remember; to mourn the loss of our dearest colleagues.  But we must also celebrate their lives and their 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 loss 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 under challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions.  Each of us deserves to be protected by the Member States that we serve.  The past teaches us that we should not and must not settle for less.

So, let us pause again today to render tribute to those to whom it is due and to honour those to whom honour is due.  In doing so, we trust that their families, friends and colleagues will find comfort in knowing that we will never forget them.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record