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.
August 19, 2003 by
Sérgio Vieira de Mello
Categories: Politicians
I 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.
Sergio was a wonderful human being,he give the best
Sergio 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.