Global perspective Human stories

UN staff raise over $100,000 for victims of terror attacks against US

UN staff raise over $100,000 for victims of terror attacks against US

United Nations staff members have raised over $100,000 for a special relief fund set up by their union to help victims of the 11 September terror attacks against the World Trade Center in New York.

In a circular to all staff announcing the establishment of the fund, the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management, Rafiah Salim, notes that the full impact of the "heinous acts of terrorism" is only beginning to be felt.

"It is evident, however that these wanton attacks have claimed thousands of lives in the city of New York alone," she observes. "In addition to the loss of life and physical destruction, these attacks are sure to scar the emotional life of the city and its inhabitants for years to come."

Noting that "words along cannot adequately express our sense of grief and sympathy for the victims and their families," Ms. Salim says the fund was established "in an expression of solidarity with the people of the City of New York, the host city for the United Nations."

According to the circular, the fund will be managed by a committee which will disburse the resources after consulting with the appropriate city officials. It remains open to contributions through 24 October.