2020
High Commissioner: Honour the fallen by recommitting to human rights values
"As we strive to build back better...[we] remember today many real life heroes who have worked to help others in need -- and made the ultimate sacrifice," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet during a memorial for those killed in the service of human rights.
19-08-2020
2019
A tribute to humanitarians who have lost their lives in serving people across the world
We mourn the deaths of the selfless humanitarians and human rights defenders who have been killed in their service to save lives and ensure respect for human rights.
19-08-2019
2018
"A piece of me died that day"
"No matter how many years go by, there is always that one moment, like a secret drawer where the pain is still intact," said Laura Dolci. Her husband, Jean-Sélim Kanaan, was among the 22 UN staff who were killed during the 2003 UN compound bombing in Baghdad.
16-08-2018
2017
Honouring lives lost in the service of human rights
On World Humanitarian Day, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri honours colleagues in her Office and the UN who have lost their lives in the course of their humanitarian work.
21-08-2017
2016
Commemorating colleagues who lost their lives in the pursuit of human rights
The Human Rights Office in Geneva held a memorial for its fallen colleagues to celebrate World Humanitarian Day 2016.
17-08-2016
2015
A tribute to those who lost their lives in the service of human rights
On World Humanitarian Day, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri honours colleagues in her Office and the UN who have lost their lives in the course of their humanitarian work.
19-08-2015
2014
In memory of those who lost their lives working for human rights
On World Humanitarian Day, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay pays tribute to colleagues in her Office and the wider UN who have lost their lives in the course of their humanitarian work.
19-08-2014
2013
The UN Human Rights Office honours staff members who have lost their lives in the service of human rights
A memorial ceremony is held at the UN Human Rights office in Geneva to honour staff members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
19-08-2013
2012
UN human rights colleagues honoured at a memorial ceremony in Geneva
A memorial ceremony is held at the UN Human Rights office in Geneva to honour colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.
17-08-2012
2011
Realizing the rights of victims of terrorism
Victims of terrorism require immediate assistance and long term medical and psycho-social support, as well as financial assistance to rebuild their lives, says UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay.
22-08-2011
UN Human Rights colleagues honoured and remembered
The UN Human Rights Office in Geneva held a small ceremony on 19 August to remember those who died while serving the UN and the cause of human rights.
19-08-2011
2010
World Humanitarian Day
The international community pays tribute to the thousands of humanitarian workers who help those in need of assistance in crises brought on by natural and man-made disasters.
19-08-2010
2009
World Humanitarian Day
The first World Humanitarian Day honours workers who have lost their lives in service of others.
19-08-2009