Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. The day was designated by the General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

At a solemn ceremony this afternoon at United Nations Office in Geneva, Mr. Jamshid Gaziyev, President of the UN Geneva staff council paid tribute to those serving in the world’s most difficult and dangerous locations, as well as those who had paid the ultimate price in doing so – 267 UN staff in the last ten years.

He said the day was also about “asking ourselves what we can do to prevent further deaths”

In addressing the death toll of UN humanitarian staff he said:

“We need to do more to hold those who kill our colleagues to account. The death toll for humanitarian workers is appalling and cannot continue.”

“I ask you to consider this. When was the last time you heard that the death of a humanitarian worker was properly investigated and culprits were brought to justice?”

“It’s an uncomfortable perception that there’s little we can do about those who kill our colleagues, even when we know who they are and some of us have to still deal with them afterwards.”

“Today is the time that we start demanding accountability. Not just to bring justice and closure to bereaved families. But also to show that we value our colleagues serving in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places today and tomorrow.”

The full statement is attached.