Originally: THE ECUMENICAL CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MOURNS
O-R
ONÈ-RESPÈ HONNEUR-RESPECT
Sant Ekimenik Dwa pou Tout Moun Centre Oecuménique des Droits Humains
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI AUGUST 24, 2003
THE ECUMENICAL CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MOURNS
THE DEATH OF SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO
In an instant of madness on August 19th, the lives of 23 United Nations Employees were taken in Baghdad. Among them was Sergio Vieira De Mello: The UN?s Mission Director.
In his short 55 year old life, De Mello became the organization?s leading voice on humanitarian affairs and he did so with eloquence, insight and courage. During the war in Bosnia De Mello established the UN Mission in Sarajevo and put his life at risk on countless occasions to bring peace and justice to the region.
Upon Sergio Vieira De Mello becoming Chief of UNHCR in Geneva, a wave of new hope was felt everywhere, particulary in countries like ours, where the struggle towards democracy goes on taking its daily toll of victims: Dead, wounded, missing, refugees.
Sergio Vieira De Mello was aware of the plight of the Haitian people and as a tireless champion against injustice, poverty and human suffering had made clear, on several occasions his commitment to the Haitian democratic cause.
He was a true humanitarian taken from us by a senseless act of cruelty. The Ecumenical Center for Human Rights pledges to remain commited to the values and principles espoused by Sergio Vieira De Mello.
Jean-Claude Bajeux, Executive Director
4 Rue des Marguerites, Port-au-Prince, Haiti ? P. 509.245.4106 ? cedh@acn2.net