Distress at death of Sergio Vieira de Mello

Reporters Without Borders is deeply shocked by the bombing that killed Sergio Vieira de Mello and 14 other persons working at the UN headquarters in Baghdad. This act of barbarity struck down a man who dedicated his entire life to defending human rights throughout the world. Nothing justifies or excuses it. Those responsible must be punished. At a time when the UN system for protecting individual freedoms is showing its limitations and shortcomings, De Mello had at last seemed to embody a credible alternative. In just a few months, he breathed new life and a new dimension into the post of UN high commissioner for human rights. He did not mince his words, even regarding the UN bureaucracy, and had the trust of the non-governmental organisations he worked with. Reporters Without Borders was able to appreciate his commitment to freedom of expression when he came out publicly against the organisation's suspension from the UN commission on human rights, mocking the nations that were punishing Reporters Without Borders in this way while not respecting any of the freedoms the commission is supposed to defend. De Mello's death is a great loss for the innumerable victims of human rights abuses and violations of freedom. He was their spokesman, and one of exceptional effectiveness as we saw in East Timor. He was also an invaluable ally of human rights defenders, who knew they could count on this tireless advocate of their cause. Reporters Without Borders expresses its deepest sorrow and most sincere condolences to his family and friends.