Page 36 - Bulletin, Vol.82 No.3, December 2023

“Thousands of our colleagues continue to work under the UN flag in [the] most risky
parts of the world. And let's pay tribute to their activities, to their work, to their devotion,”
she said.

'A guiding light'

The UNRWA staff members “embodied the spirit of the United Nations, standing on the
frontlines of conflict zones to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance and
support,” said the head of the World Health Organization (opens in new window),
speaking at its headquarters in Geneva.

“Their unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and the well-being of others serves as a
guiding light and a reminder of the importance of our shared mission,” Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreysus told WHO personnel.

UN News
Staff Union Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, to honor colleagues killed in
Gaza

Secretary-General António Guterres led the minute of silence at UN Headquarters in
New York, which was held in the Economic and Social Council Chamber (opens in new
window).
He stood before UN Resident Coordinators from around the world, who are meeting this
week, flanked by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and the President of the
UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis.

Meanwhile, the UN Staff Union held a ceremony in the Secretariat lobby where the
names of the deceased colleagues were read aloud.

“May they rest in eternal power and peace,” said First Vice-President Francisco Brito,
surrounded by staff members, some of whom held signs that said ‘responsibility to
protect,’ ‘stop the killing,’ ‘protect civilians’ and other appeals.

UN flag lowered

The commemoration at the Secretariat began around 7:30 AM, with the UN flag being
raised to half-mast – the sole one flying that day.

AAFI-AFICS BULLETIN, Vol. 82 No.3, 2023-12 34

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