The massacre of UN staff in Iraq on 19 August 2003 has lessons for the age of Barack Obama

The renowned UN envoy killed in Baghdad on 19 August 2003 outlines his vision of human rights 

As Sergio Vieira de Mello lay trapped and dying under the rubble of the bomb that destroyed the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, he pleaded “This time, we can't walk away”. But most UN staff were indeed relocated from Iraq. Anita Sharma worked closely with the UN team and was in Baghdad at the time of the blast. She reveals why they left, what it feels like, and what happens next.

Johanna Mendelson Forman, recently returned from Iraq, knew well many of those killed and injured in the bombing of the United Nations mission in Baghdad. In mourning her colleagues, she reflects on the meaning and implications of this event for the UN’s future role in the country.

James Galbraith remembers a good man, and recalls a terrible warning of the Iraqi war.

Arthur Helton’s tireless research and practical concern played a vital role in linking the world’s refugee policies to human rights and international law. His colleague Guy Goodwin-Gill warmly recalls a friend, colleague, and ally.

The UN, centre stage in the prelude to the Iraq war, has been sidelined since its outbreak. But the organisation does not need to take its marching orders from sovereign governments. Its Secretary General, Kofi Annan, can seize the diplomatic initiative with five immediate, practical steps.

Current plans for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq under the authority of an American military commander would bypass the UN and relegate Nato further to the margins. The recent experience of the UN in the Balkans, East Timor, and Afghanistan has demonstrated the UN’s competence in democratisation. In partnership with a Nato-led peacekeeping force, a joint UN-Nato operation would provide a more legitimate guarantee of long-term stability.