Letter to SG

President, FICSA

Sir,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to write to you today, on behalf of the Federation of Interna- tional Civil Servants’ Association (FICSA), to express the Federation’s heartfelt condolences to you and to the families, friends, and colleagues of those killed and injured in the tragic attack in Baghdad on 19 August 2003. Those who lost their lives and suffered devastating injury and shock must be commended for their bravery and unwavering dedication.

Yesterday’s act of terror has sent shockwaves throughout the UN system. Such a heinous and senseless attack on persons whose only aim was to provide humanitarian aid deserves the strongest condemnation. Those responsible for this senseless and brutal act must be brought to justice.

The Federation is deeply concerned about the staff who continue to serve in the region and requests, with the strongest sense of urgency, that security measures for all staff in Iraq and other areas of conflict be reviewed and improved where necessary. Every conceivable measure must be taken to ensure the full protection and safety of staff without compromise.

We ask that every effort be made to effect transfers of staff members who are psycho- logically unable or unwilling to continue with their assignments in Iraq, without negative consequences for their careers. We also ask that efforts be made to provide surviving staff and their family members with immediate counseling and care to help them cope with the psychological impact of this horrific event.

Sadly, this attack on UN staff brings to light the realities of the extremely perilous conditions under which many staff in the UN system work and have unfortunately lost their lives.

We trust that under your leadership, swift and thorough action to address the concerns expressed in this letter will be taken.

Please accept, Sir, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Richard Kerby President of FICSA.

Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary-General; United Nations; New York.