Terrorist Attack 20 Years Later: Survivor of UN Iraq Mission Bombing | Footage Before, During, After

On the afternoon of 19 August 2003, the United Nations headquarters in the Canal Hotel in Baghdad was badly damaged by a devastating bomb attack. The blast resulted in the death of 22 people, including the then High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello. The bomb was targeting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). Among the survivors was Francis Mead, who was working for UNICEF at the time. In this video, Mr. Mead watches footage of the bombing and shares his memories of the attack. He talks about the chaos and confusion of the moment, the fear and pain he felt, but also how he still believes in humanitarian work and why it is valuable.
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The Government of Iraq, the United Nations, and the international community paid tribute to the victims and families of the 19 August 2003 terrorist attack on the then-UN headquarters in Baghdad.

The ceremony was held at the location of the Canal Hotel, now the Al-Qanat Social Rehabilitation Centre. Government and UN officials delivered speeches at the 20th commemoration of this tragic event.

"The past 20 years have brought about change in Iraq. Few would deny that it has been a very rough road. But throughout these years, the United Nations has not given up on its efforts to contribute to peace and stability throughout the country,” said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, in her remarks.

“Today, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to those who are missing colleagues, friends and loved ones not only today, but every day.”

A memorial plaque inscribed with names of the fallen was unveiled by a survivor of the attack, a UNAMI staff member, who also spoke on behalf of other victims.

One wreath was laid at the memorial plaque by Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert on behalf of the United Nations; the second wreath was laid by the Deputy of the Prime Minister of Iraq; and the third wreath was laid on behalf of the international community by the Ambassador of Canada.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the victims of the bombing.

After the official ceremony, each person in attendance filed to the memorial plaque to place a white rose.

The 2003 attack profoundly changed the way in which humanitarians operate – from being respected, to being targeted – and led to the creation of World Humanitarian Day.

Produced by: UN Video

“We acknowledge the people across the world who are working, sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances, and at great personal risk,” Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert said.

“We acknowledge the people who are working to assist those in dire need.”

00:00 Intro
00:41 Why I was in Iraq
00:59 Where was the Canal Hotel?
01:28 What happened the day of the bombing?
01:45 Watching the footage of the bombing
04:09 Exterior pictures after the bombing
05:17 The UN flag
06:06 This was a watershed moment for the UN
06:33 More attacks on the UN
06:54 I still believe in humanitarian work