UN inaugurates library in Kenya named in honour of Sergio Vieira de Mello

The United Nations today inaugurated a new library at its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, named in honour of former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was murdered in a terrorist attack last year while serving as Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative in Iraq.

The library honours 243 staff members who have died in the service of the world body, including those killed together with Mr. Vieira de Mello in the attack on the UN's Baghdad headquarters on 19 August 2003.

"There can be no finer tribute," Klaus Toepfer, Director General of the UN Office at Nairobi and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said at the launching ceremony. "A library is a centre for learning. If we are to deliver a more tolerant world in which the values of peace and humanity defeat the bullet and the bomb, then we must increase knowledge and learning, particularly for those with little or no access including the poor and women."

Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, said Mr. Vieira de Mello would be particularly pleased that the library will benefit Africans, given his work as UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region of Africa and in Mozambique.

"More than most, he realized how important it is to develop the people of the continent in order to ensure a peaceful future," she added. "In today's world, I feel sure that the physical location of the library will not limit the service that can be provided. This library will greatly benefit the East African region and beyond."

The library, which houses the collections of several UN agencies in Kenya, will provide computer access to thousands of electronic journals in various fields.

In a separate development, a "Service of Thanksgiving and Hope" was held in the United Kingdom today in tribute to the memory of those who died in the 19 August bombing.

In a message to the gathering, the Secretary-General indicated that he would soon name a new envoy to Iraq "to replace my dear friend Sergio Vieira de Mello whom you are remembering today."

Mr. Annan pledged to take "all possible precautions" to protect the new Special Representative and associated UN personnel. "I ask you to join me in praying for their safety and success, as I join you today in praying for the future of the Iraqi people," he said in the message, which was delivered by his Director of Communications, Edward Mortimer.