Media Home
UN Web TV
UN Audiovisual Library
UN PhotoBAGHDAD / GUTERRES CANAL HOTEL COMMEMORATION
Download
There is no media available to download.
Share
STORY: BAGHDAD / GUTERRES CANAL HOTEL COMMEMORATION
TRT: 04:01
SOURCE: UNIFEED
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 18 MAY 2025, BAGHDAD, THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
1. Wide shot, the Secretary-General arrives at the Canal Hotel attack commemoration ceremony
2. Wide shot, ceremonial presentation by the UN guard unit
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations:
“Dear survivor colleagues, dear colleagues, Almost 22 years ago, the United Nations family suffered the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization. 22 years is a long time. But we will never forget the colleagues who were killed that day in the bombing at the Canal Hotel. They were sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends who are, to this day, mourned by those they knew and loved. We will always remember their leader, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was also killed in the attack. We will stand with the survivors whose lives were changed forever. And we will remember the courageous colleagues and others who rushed to help on that terrible day, and in the days and weeks after — showing us the very best of the humanitarian spirit. This memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the people of Iraq. It also stands as a reminder of how far Iraq has come since 2003. Working with the brave and resilient people of this country, the women and men of the United Nations have worked tirelessly to support their quest for stability, development and peace. Above all, this memorial is as a clear reminder of the vital work that our organization does around the world — and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work. With World Humanitarian Day, the date of 19 August has been forever transformed from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy here in Iraq into a global day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and outside the organization. Their bravery, dedication, and belief that a better future is possible will always inspire us. And like those whose lives were lost on 19 August, 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our vital cause of peace — will never be forgotten. Thank you.”
4. Wide shot, the UN guard unit flies the flag at half-mast
5. Various shots, the Secretary-General takes part in a wreath-laying ceremony
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commemorated the victims of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad today (May 18), calling it “the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization” and paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Almost 22 years ago, the United Nations families suffered the worst terrorist attack in the history of our organization,” Guterres said during a ceremony at the site of the bombing. “22 years is a long time. But we will never forget.”
On August 19, 2003, a truck bomb struck the UN headquarters in Baghdad, killing 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the then-UN Special Representative for Iraq. Dozens of others were injured. The attack marked a turning point in the UN’s engagement in Iraq and led to the designation of 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.
“They were sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends who are, to this day, mourned by those they knew and loved,” Guterres said. “We’ll always remember their leader, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was also killed in the attack.”
The Secretary-General also paid tribute to the survivors, acknowledging their pain and perseverance. “We will stand with the survivors whose lives was changed forever,” he said, noting the bravery of those who rushed to help in the aftermath, “showing us the very best of humanitarian spirit.”
Standing before the memorial at the Canal Hotel site, Guterres emphasized the progress Iraq has made in the years since, as well as the UN’s enduring commitment to the Iraqi people. “This memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the people of Iraq,” he said. “It also stands as a reminder of how far Iraq has come since 2003.”
The ceremony included a wreath-laying and flag-raising by the UN Guard Unit, honoring both the fallen and those continuing humanitarian efforts worldwide.
“Above all, this memorial is as a clear reminder, a reminder of the vital work that organization does around the world and the dangers our people face in carrying out that work,” said Guterres. “Their bravery, dedication and belief that a better future is possible will always inspire us.”
He concluded, “Their sacrifices and contributions to our world and to our vital cause of peace will never be forgotten.”
