UNHCR Staff Memorial

Briefing notes

UNHCR Staff Memorial

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

25 September 2001

UNHCR staff tomorrow (Wednesday, 26 September) will commemorate our colleagues who have sacrificed their lives while serving the cause of refugees.

The daylong observance comes a little over a year since the slayings last September of four UNHCR staff within two weeks - the darkest period in our 50-year history.

At 9 a.m. tomorrow, a candle will be lit by High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers and UNHCR Staff Council members near the Broken Chair monument at the Place des Nations. The candle will remain lit until 5 p.m. During the day, UNHCR colleagues, staff of other international organisations and the public are encouraged to lay a flower at the site in remembrance of our slain colleagues. Flowers can be collected from UNHCR.

UNHCR is also planning construction of a memorial in front of our Headquarters building, to be built with contributions from staff and friends of UNHCR.