August 19, 2003
Sérgio Vieira de Mello
Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations special representative in Iraq, was killed on Aug. 19 when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. He was 55.
The hotel was being used by the U.N. as its Iraqi headquarters. At least 17 people were killed in the blast.
Vieira de Mello was born in 1948 in Rio de Janeiro. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and humanities at the Liceu Franco-Brasileiro in Rio, then obtained four more degrees, including two doctorates, from the Sorbonne in Paris.
In 1969, Vieira de Mello took a job with the U.N. in Geneva as an assistant editor. During his 34-year tenure at the U.N., he worked as a field officer in East Pakistan/Bangladesh, a deputy representative in Mozambique, a senior political adviser of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon and a special representative of the Secretary-General and the U.N. Transitional Administrator in East Timor.
He was tapped to man the U.N.'s post in Iraq last May. A widely respected diplomat, Vieira de Mello planned to return to his permanent position as the high commissioner for human rights, in September.
Posted on August 19, 2003 1:14 PMI am so proud that Sergio Vieira de Mello was a Brazilian which honoured his country and the whole wold by his work. May you rest in peace brave warrior, we will never forget you.
Posted by Carminha Stalker on June 29, 2004 5:43 AMSergio was a wonderful human being,he give the bestīs years of his life. Thank Vieira,you teach than the people of our continent is good; and the bloody history, canīt influences to the most pure spirits.That was you...Brazil and all the latinoamericans, are proud of you. God take care of you and your love ones. And I hope some day, the peaceīs be a reality...Iīm gonna be fine, but sad; because the one that fight so hard for that, donīt gonna be here; celebreting and see it with the mankind...with all of us.
Posted by Roxanna Gomez on October 31, 2004 8:46 PMSergio was a great man, a great friend of Iraq and the Iraqi people. As an Iraqi, I will always remember this man with deep respect and admiration. He did what he believed was right and lost his life in this cause. Rest in peace Sergio, your cause was noble and there will be millions holding the torch after you.
Posted by Mohammed Al Hakim on January 18, 2005 4:13 AM