Wreath-laying Ceremony to Commemorate 23rd Anniversary of Canal Hotel Bombing

UN Secretary-General António Guterres led a wreath-laying ceremony in New York to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 2003 terrorist bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad. Following the ceremony, Guterres called for an end to violence against civilian and humanitarian workers in conflict zones. 

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General said  “Around the world, humanitarians face escalating dangers – attacked, detained, injured and killed. Meanwhile, the rules designed to protect civilians – including humanitarian personnel – are being violated with alarming frequency and impunity.” 

The anniversary also coincides with World Humanitarian Day, honoring humanitarian aid workers who have been killed or injured in the course of their work.