UN ENVOY SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO BEGINS FINAL JOURNEY HOME
New York, Aug 22 2003 1:00PM
Sergio Vieira de Mello, veteran United Nations servant, defender of human rights and protector of refugees, began his final journey home today, his body borne aboard a Brazilian Presidential plane at Baghdad airport amid prayers, praise and pledges to continue his mission.

His dying message, among his last words to a rescue worker as he lay in the most extreme pain while pinned under the rubble of the devastated UN headquarters, rang out again today three days after his death, recalled in a sombre ceremony on the airport tarmac: "Don't let them pull the mission out."

As his coffin stood before the plane that was to fly him to his Brazilian home town, Rio de Janeiro, where he was born 55 years ago, colleagues stood in mournful tribute to the man who rose through more than three decades of devoted service to the world body to become High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative for war-torn Iraq.

"We honour him and we say that the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will never leave this land of Iraq, because a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights died for it," Acting High Commissioner Bertrand Ramcharan said, three days after a massive truck bomb at UN headquarters in Baghdad killed Mr. Vieira de Mello, at least 21 others, and injured scores more.

Making a silent prayer on behalf of members of the bereaved family, as he had promised them, Mr. Ramcharan then added: "May the peace of the universe envelop you always. Dear Sergio, you are much loved and the world extends its respects to you today."

Paying tribute to Mr. Vieira de Mello and the others who fell with him in the line of their international duty, he declared: "We shall always cherish your memories. Our gratitude is eternal. We say to you that the United Nations shall live because of your sacrifices. We shall make it so. For the triumph of the United Nations Charter is inevitable. The vision of peace grounded in justice, respect for human rights and economic and social progress is eternal."

Calling Mr. Vieira de Mello an outstanding civil servant with unique human qualities, Benon Sevan, Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, declared: "Sergio was fully committed to the United Nations until his last breath. Even under the most extreme pain, pinned down under the rubble of his office, he said to First Sergeant von Zehle of the coalition forces, who was trying to rescue him: 'Don't let them pull the mission out.'"

Recalling Mr. Vieira de Mello's earlier service with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and his peacekeeping work in places as far afield as Kosovo and East Timor, Mr. Sevan declared: "Our beloved Sergio, you have been an inspiration to all your colleagues throughout your service with the United Nations. You have touched us all. With your exemplary services and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, you have become an inspiration to all of us.

"Bowing before you at this very difficult hour, I assure you that no heinous act of terrorism will deter us from carrying out the noble tasks entrusted to us in the service of the United Nations. We will resume our activities as of tomorrow and continue your legacy," he added.

The plane bearing Mr. Vieira de Mello's mortal remains was to stop in Geneva to pick up his wife and two sons before continuing on to Brazil for his burial. A memorial services is expected to be held tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.
2003-08-22

Sergio Vieira de Mello Senior UN Official and Early Supporter of GDIN is Murdered in Baghdad

GDIN is sad to report that a large explosion ripped through U.N. headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad today (Aug 19, 2003). The building was evacuated and there were an unknown number of wounded, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the U.N. special representative to Iraq, was badly wounded in the blast, but was able to use his special phone, according to some reports. Unfortunetly, he finally died of his injuries, according to the UN. De Mello's office appeared to be the target of the bombers.

Mr. De Mello used to be Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and in that capacity represented the UN at the opening GDIN Conference at the Department of State in Washington, DC. His speech at the first GDIN conference and his suggestions to the United States Government and other founders were instrumental in giving GDIN a strong boost at its start. All of GDIN is saddened by this loss to humanity and wishes his family well...

Larry Roeder, Executive Director
Alan Hodges, Chairman of the Executive Committee
Albert Simard, President of the GDIN Fund

Thanks for this note Larry. I am feeling so depressed by this senseless act.
Lorelei JKelly

Dear friends,

Further to Larry's message concerning the tragic loss of a great friend of GDIN, I would like to forward to you the following information we just received from OHCHR:

• Messages of condolences can be sent to the following email address:
  hcmemorial@ohchr.org
  A condolence book will be opened in Geneva on the Ground Floor of Palais Wilson at 1530 hrs today.

  Thank you.
  Regards,
  Linda Wong
  Chief, Administration Section
  Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights
  Telephone: 022-917-9200
  Fax: 4122-917-9016
  email:lwong@ohchr.org

Best regards,
Hans Zimmermann

GDIN Members:

We are sad too about the tragic destiny of Mr. De Mello.

Dr. Hugo Ramos
Coordinator
Disaster Committee
Hospital de Urgencias
C—rdoba - Argentina

Yes we are all very sad to see this happen to one of the really good guys. I hope things are well with you and what you are trying to achieve.

Cheers
Dave Johnson, Director
The Beaten Track Group Pty Ltd
Australasian ImageNet Pty Ltd

Sergio's death to DAG is one too many.The management of the Democratic Actions Guard is Declaring a one hour break for one week starting monday 25th August-29th August in honour of the late sage.

Accept our sympathy.
Dr(Mrs)Ada O Eze.
DAG

I am very sorry for this unfair dead. People having much to say and help others should not be dead because of crazy minds...
I am very sad.
Gabriela Florescu