Sergio Vieira de Mello (1948-2003),
Alto Comissário das Nações Unidas para os Direitos Humanos (2002-2003).
De nacionalidade brasileira e filho de um Diplomata, Cidadão Cosmopolita, de formação filosófico-política, com dois doutoramentos pela Universidade de Paris (Sorbonne), e uma carreira de 34 anos na ONU, a maior parte deles vividos em Genève, Sergio Vieira de Mello é reconhecido pela sua inteligência, pelo seu humanismo, pela sua integridade, pela sua capacidade de mediação na resolução de conflitos, pelo seu profissionalismo, determinação, lealdade e entrega total à ONU ao serviço da Liberdade, da Democracia, do Multilateralismo, da Paz, na defesa de Valores Universais e Princípios. Ao longo da sua vida afirmou sempre reger a sua actuação pelos Princípios da Independência e da Imparcialidade do Diplomata Sueco Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-1961), ex- Secretário Geral das Nações Unidas morto em missão de paz ao serviço da ONU no Congo (1961), e Prémio Nobel da Paz (1961).
Sergio Vieira de Mello morreu no Iraque com seus 21 colegas de missão no ataque à Sede das Nações Unidas (ONU) em Bagdad, a 19 de Agosto de 2003 e está sepultado na Suíça, em Genève, cidade que faz parte da sua vida pessoal e profissional.
Deixou dois filhos adultos, do seu casamento com Annie Vieira de Mello , Laurent Vieira de Mello e Adrien Vieira de Mello, que desenvolvem trabalho em áreas científicas.
(English)
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello (2002-2003).
Sergio Vieira de Mello appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 12 September 2002. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1948, Sergio Vieira de Mello joined the United Nations in 1969 while studying philosophy and humanities at the University of Paris (Panthéon-Sorbonne).
Vieira de Mello began his United Nations work at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva. He also served in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in Bangladesh, the Sudan, Cyprus, Mozambique and Peru. He assumed his first high-profile post in 1981, when he was appointed Senior Political Adviser to United Nations forces in Lebanon. He then occupied several high-level posts at UNHCR: Chef de Cabinet for the High Commissioner, Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and Oceania, and Director of the Division of External Relations.
Between 1991 and 1996, Vieira de Mello served as Special Envoy of the High Commissioner for Cambodia , Director of Repatriation for the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), Head of Civil Affairs of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), and United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region of Africa. In 1996, he was appointed United Nations Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees. Two years later, he was posted to New York as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. He also briefly held the post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo and served as United Nations Transitional Administrator in East Timor.
Less than a year after he was appointed High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, asked Vieira de Mello to take a temporary leave of absence from his post to serve in Iraq as Annan's Special Representative there. On 19 August 2003, just three months after he arrived in Iraq, Vieira de Mello-and 21 colleagues-were killed when the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad was attacked.
( http://www.ohchr.org/english/about/hc/vieira.htm , 2003) .
TESTIMONIALS/TEMOIGNAGES/TESTIMONIOS _ 2003
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to OHCHR’s staff
Sergio dedicated his professional life to the values set out in the United Nations Charter. He never once hesitated to take on difficult, even dangerous assignments. Victims of conflict and disasters throughout the world came to know him as someone who understood their plight and knew how to deliver results despite enormous obstacles. That effectiveness was always combined with a remarkable grace and sensitivity. I share your sorrow at this unimaginable loss for your Office and for the United Nations family.
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We cannot accept that Sergio had to die at this time, in this way, or that anything good can come of it. We cannot accept that all his brilliance, his energy, his devotion to his staff and his loyalty to the ideals of the United Nations, have been so abruptly taken from us. Indeed, we can imagine nothing more cruel, or pointless, or unjust.
Sergio, my friend, you have entered that Pantheon of heroes that the United Nations wishes it did not have. You will shine forever among our brightest stars. May you rest in peace.
Pope John Paul II
The tragic news that reaches us from Baghdad (…) in the past hours can only make us feel deep sadness and unanimous reprobation.
Mary Robinson, former UN human rights chief and predecessor of Sergio Vieira de Mello
This may be a wake-up call for the world that the situation in Iraq wasn't very tenable before this terrible outrage... It's an appalling blow and the world must rally.
French President Jacques Chirac
Such hateful acts arouse nothing but indignation and the strongest condemnation.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
It is an attack on the international community of states, but also an attack on the future of the Iraqi people.
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov
The fact that terrorists targeted the United Nations, which spares no effort in helping the Iraqi people overcome the war's consequences and return to normal life, is particularly outrageous.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer
What was the UN doing in Iraq? It was providing food, it was providing shelter, it was providing humanitarian assistance. A terrorist... has gone and attacked the people who were in Iraq to help.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Sergio Vieira de Mello was a victim of the insanity of terrorism.
Iraq's Governing Council
described the Brazilian diplomat as "a friend of the Iraqi people" and called for a monument to be named in his memory.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell
called Mr Vieira de Mello "a hero who dedicated his life to helping people in danger". Mr Powell said: "Sergio never shirked the most difficult assignments... Where others saw obstacles or despair, he created options and solutions."
Bertrand Ramcharan,
Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the diplomat was "an immensely gifted man".
"He was gifted by nature with intelligence, wit and charm, and to that he added a solid education and a solid commitment to the principles of the United Nations."
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers,
recalled Mr Vieira de Mello as "a true gentleman who garnered the respect of adversaries, a tough negotiator who fought for human rights and the dignity of the downtrodden".
Hedayat Abdel-Nabi,
President of the Geneva UN correspondents association, called Mr Vieira de Mello "the best of the best - a charismatic, brilliant character".
Countries across Asia, where Mr Vieira de Mello served for many years, also lined up to honour the fallen diplomat.
East Timor President Xanana Gusmao
"Our nation mourns the death of a unique and unforgettable friend.
"He fought tirelessly for democracy, human rights and sustainable justice for the people of East Timor."
Léo Kanemann, Directeur du Festival International du Film sur les droits humains
« C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de M. Sergio Vieira de Mello à Bagdad, dans des conditions atroces. Nous gardons un souvenir ému de son soutien enthousiaste en tant que parrain du premier Festival, le 28 mars dernier. Cette disparition nous confirme tragiquement la nécessité de combattre les violations des droits de l’homme, et c’est en sa mémoire que nous continuerons notre manifestation. »
Olivier Duffau, cinéaste, ARTE
« L’horreur et le dégoût.
Pourquoi lui, l’homme de Paix ? »
Reporters sans frontières
« La mort de Sergio Vieira de Mello est une vraie perte pour les trop nombreuses victimes des exactions, des violations des libertés. Il était leur porte-parole, d’une rare efficacité. Il était aussi un allié précieux pour les défenseurs des droits de l’homme qui savaient pouvoir compter sur cet avocat infatigable de leur cause. En seulement quelques mois, il avait su donner à la fonction de Haut-Commissaire aux droits de l’homme un deuxième souffle, une deuxième dimension. Il savait ne pas mâcher ses mots –y compris à l’égard de la bureaucratie onusienne – et travaillait en toute confiance avec les organisations non gouvernementales »
Geneva Association of United Nations correspondents
« Sergio Vieira de Mello was the star of the UN, the man who was loved by the media, and who respected the work of the media. He was the best of the mediatic UN diplomats and as all agreed he was the best of the best, a charismatic, brilliant character with intellectual superiority. The loss of Sergio Vieira de Mello is not only a loss for the UN, but also a monumental loss for the Geneva press corps. He had an electric human effect on all whose who knew him; his contribution to humanity is that of the superior intellect, the perpetrators of the attack killed this major human contribution to humanity.
It is an attack against all what is good in our world.
Sergio will lead the other victims of today’s attack as the leading hero of humanity.”
El Hadji Gorgui Wade Ndoye
« Il croyait aux droits de l’homme. Il est mort sur le terrain. Philosophe de formation et homme de conviction, Sergio Vieira de Mello s’était toujours montré très sensible aux problèmes de l’humanité. Il avait un contact facile avec les populations civiles qui souffrent dans les quatre coins du monde. Dans un entretien qu’il avait accordé au «Soleil» du Sénégal, il disait : "J’ai choisi l’Afrique comme mon premier continent pour mes visites de travail. C’est un message de solidarité que je donne à l’Afrique. C’est le respect des droits de l’homme qui garantit la paix. Il n’y a pas de conflit sans violation des droits de l’homme. Au mois de mai dernier, il est nommé Envoyé spécial de l’ONU en Irak. Il devait passer 4 mois à Bagdad. Il lui restait encore quelques semaines. Mais Sergio Vieira de Mello ignorait qu’il allait y laisser sa vie. L’ONU devra s’armer, aujourd’hui, Sergio plus que jamais, de ton courage et de ta dévotion, afin que ton combat pour la paix et l’universalisation des droits de l’homme ne s’éteigne. Adieu Sergio ! Repose en paix.!»
Amado Philip de Andrés, UNMIK
« Sergio Vieira de Mello was an inspiration for young and more senior UN staff alike. The devastating bomb explosion that has changed the path of our colleague Sergio from returning to Geneva next month to going to Heaven will certainly pave the way for men and women in the United Nations dedicated to peace-keeping, democracy and human rights to persevere with even greater energy in their endeavors. Sergio, God BlessYour Soul. Saudades.”
Thierry Dodin, Tibet Information Network, London
“It is with stupor and disarray, later than with anger that I read about the tragic assassination of Sergio Vieira de Mello. That this coward act was directed against a man who had come to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Iraq is particularly appalling and revolting for all those who believe in a more human world in which justice would prevail over violence. Eventhough these words will not erase the bitter pain of his family, they should know that Sergio’s memory and his work of decades will remain a monument for human rights.”
Dr. LEE Jong-wook, Director General, World Heath Organization
« Tout au long de sa longue et remarquable carrière, Sergio a mis au service de ceux qui avaient le plus besoin de lui ses compétences, sa compassion et sa bonne humeur. Un seul acte de terrorisme prive ainsi le peuple iraquien et les peuples de tous les pays d’un ardent défenseur et d’un homme hors pair. Il manquera cruellement à tous. »
No Peace Without Justice
The killing of Sergio Vieira De Mello and other UN personnel in Baghdad, clearly represent a war crime, as defined under article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Antonella Notari, porte-parole CICR
Nous avons tous beaucoup pensé à vous, nos collègues au Bureau du Haut Commissaire, ici au service de presse du CICR. Avec une énorme de tristesse et aussi avec une grande colère contre cette terrible violence par laquelle M. De Mello et ses collègues nous ont été arrachés.
Richard Werly, Le Temps
Je tenais simplement à vous dire, au nom du service international du "Temps" toutes nos affectueuses pensées en ces moments difficiles. Sergio avait toujours été pour "Le Temps" un impeccable partenaire et interlocuteur. Il nous manquera, croyez le bien, autant qu'à vous et à ses autres proches collaborateurs.
Human Rights Watch
Sergio was not only an accomplished diplomat, but a true humanitarian, it is tragic he should end up the victim of the kind of war crime he fought so hard to prevent."
"Sergio's assignment to Iraq showed his unique ability to get things done. At a time when many people disparage the United Nations, he demonstrated its capacity to make a difference on the ground."
Développement et Paix
Développement et Paix déplore la mort tragique de Sergio Vieira de Mello, le représentant spécial de l'ONU en Irak, lors d'un attentat perpétré ce matin contre les bâtiments de l'ONU à Bagdad.
Développement et Paix, une des seules ONG canadiennes à oeuvrer au Timor oriental, a pu constater le courage et la détermination de monsieur de Mello, alors Administrateur transitoire des Nations Unies au Timor oriental.
Renaud Charles, journaliste au Monde
A l'autre bout de la Turquie, la nouvelle de l'attentat de Bagdad vient de me parvenir. Je souhaitais vous faire part de toute mon émotion et de ma tristesse face à ce terrible événement.
Juilana Schiavo, United States
I am heartbroken by the loss of your High Commissioner. I did not know this man but feel that we have lost a great person. The United Nations as an organization has done so much for the world and I truly appreciate everyone's work there. I will be saddened by this for some time. My sincerest condolences go out to his wonderful family. I'm just heartbroken.
Norodom Ranariddh, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia
I have known Mr. Sergio de Mello personally since he was working here in Cambodia during the 1992-1993 U.N. Peace Keeping Operation. He was a wonderful man -a man who has rendered outstanding services to the suffering people of Cambodia. He was loved and admired by many of his colleagues and known here in Cambodia as a smiling U.N. Representative on Humanitarian Affairs. His warm heart and charisma had captured the love and admiration of all the people who had known him. The world has lost a great man -a man who wanted nothing else but to serve the suffering people in the world.
This terrible act of terrorism must not go unpunished. I wish to join other world leaders and you in particular, Mr. Secretary -General, to condemn this violent act of cowardice that caused the loss of many innocent lives. Those who committed this horrible crime must be caught and be brought to justice.
Norodom Sihanouk, Roi du Cambodge
Votre haut Représentant, S.E. Sergio Viera de Mello, est un véritable Héros de l’Humanité. Au nom de l’ONU, il avait aidé et servi avec une abnégation, une grande efficacité, un dénouement sans borne, sans chercher aucun avantage personnel, aucune gloire, tant de Pays et de Peuples dans le monde, y compris le Cambodge et son Peuple. Il m’avait spontanément accordé son amitié et son estime. Notre si belle et affectueuse amitié sera toujours chérie en mon cœur et mon esprit.
Samson Kaunga Ndanyi ( Kenya)
Sergio, you did a lot for the world more than you did for your family. I did not know you and you didn't know me either. But, your tragic death, caused by a few barbaric individuals who harbour hatred in their hearts ignited a light within me that will be hard to put off. I read your profile. It inspired me. Sleep brother. I promise I will carry from where you left.
God bless
Isabel Pallares, former OHCHR intern
I worked as an intern last summer at the OHCHR. I remember speaking with another of Sergio Vieira de Mello's colleagues who described to me his adventures with Sergio as an intern. It was hard for me to imagine a man that I admired so much being a mere intern. His first day at the OHCHR, Sergio actually sat down in the cafe and had a coffee with the rest of the staff. This was something that we were not used to seeing, the High Commissioner sipping coffee with the rest of us. I liked him instantly. He had a presence about him that exuded confidence and pride yet he was very approachable at the same time. His charm was apparent from the first moment he spoke. I have never heard someone master so many languages with the ease and grace of a native.
I shook his hand on the last day of my internship. When I left Geneva, Sergio de Mello had only just begun his mission, yet I had no doubt that the OHCHR was in the best of hands I had nothing but hope for the organization. He is a man who will be remembered and honored for the good that he did for the international community and for the protection of human rights around the world. I will miss him as I am sure the entire human rights community will. May the peace that he and others lost their lives to gain be attained.
Peace & Social Justice Program, The Ford Foundation
I know you all must be very sad. We at The Ford Foundation join you in your sorrow and deeply feel the tragic loss of Mr. Vieira de Mello. He offered the world so much through his experience, expertise, and sense of justice. It is truly a terrible loss on so many levels.
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
The death of the UN special envoy to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello is a loss that will be felt throughout the international community. Palestinian civil society welcomed the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s appointment of Mr. Vieira de Mello as his special representative to Iraq and he was also greatly admired for his work as High Commissioner for Human Rights – his permanent position at the UN. Mr. Vieira de Mello was known as a tireless human rights campaigner and respected diplomat, whose convictions and efforts at promoting the universality of human rights will continue to be felt around the globe.
Prof. Hatem Kotrane, Membre CRC
Puissions-nous, peuples du monde entier, honorer la mémoire de Sergio Vieira de Mello et continuer son combat. Pour réapprendre à la jeunesse les valeurs de la liberté, de l’égalité et de la justice. Pour réinventer les principes de la paix, de la solidarité et de l’amitié entre tous les peuples et toutes les nations. Pour permettre aux générations futures d’inscrire éternellement l’humanité dans leur confiance!
Lara Gabriel, former UNHCR and OHCHR colleague
The dream against all odds of one woman to forge the United Nations and the practice of human rights has been your life's task. We can only carry on. With such sorrow, senseless and pure for you - who were truly good. Never forgetting the face and hands behind the politics, their wars, the flight and madness which killed you. We have but that determination we wear as the badge of the United Nations; for that is all we have left of an age when people believed the heart was an organ of goodness; that light was stronger than darkness; that death came to you in your proper time - an age when the dream of Man nearly came true."
Penal Reform International
Sergio Vieira de Mello's death is a great loss for the international human rights community, he whose commitment to peace and human rights is acknowledged and valued by all human rights activists and NGOs.
Swami Agnivesh, Chairperson, UN Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
I am writing this, on behalf of myself and the Board of Trustees of the UN Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, to express my shock and sadness at the untimely and violent death of Ambassador Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights in the recent terrorist attack in Baghdad. As a human rights and peace activist, I deem the death of Ambassador Sergio as an irreparable loss to the cause of peace and human rights movement all over the world. Events of this epic magnitude call us to take note of the virus of violence and senseless destruction that is spreading all through the world. It is also an occasion for us to remember with compassion the victims of violence and oppression all over the world for whom Ambassador Sergio laid down his life. The only way we can pay true homage to the life of this great soul is to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace and human rights for all people in our tortured and troubled world.
Francis Deng, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons
It is extremely rare to find an individual who achieved the level of excellence in virtually all aspects of his work. Sergio Vieira de Mello did. He was outstanding intellectually, charismatic, witty, charming, diplomatic but forthright, courageous and firm. There are really no words to adequately describe this most remarkable man.
His service to humanity through the United Nations, which took him to trouble spots around the world -- Sudan, Cyprus, Mozambique, Peru, Lebanon, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Congo, Kosovo, East Timor and tragically, Iraq -- attest to his dedication to the ideals of this world organization: the search for peace, security and the dignity of the human family.
Tim Sebastian & Carey Clark, HARDtalk, BBC News
Hardtalk and Tim Sebastian met Mr. Vieira de Mello twice in the last couple of years, most recently in April 2003 when we traveled to Geneva to talk to him in his role as UN Commissioner for Human Rights. On both occasions we were all impressed by his honesty and commitment to the United Nations and to the people he served. It was a privilege to meet him and hear his thoughts, and it was clear from the feedback that we received that our views felt the same.
We want to let you know that the thoughts of all the HardTalk team have been with Mr. Vieira de Mello’s family and his many colleagues, who we know will feel his loss very keenly. He was a good and decent man whose contribution to the world will be very much missed.
Bureau du HCDH, République Démocratique du Congo
Tout au long de sa brillante carrière au sein des Nations Unies, Monsieur Sergio Vieira de Mello, comme l’a souligné le Secrétaire Général de l’ONU, a été un remarquable serviteur de l’humanité, toujours prêt à soulager les souffrances de tant d’hommes et de femmes, en les aidant à régler leurs différends et à reconstruire leurs sociétés déchirées par les guerres.
Mukesh Kapila, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan
I feel privileged to have served directly with Sergio at the United Nations, and counted him as a personal friend whose courage, diplomacy and intellect were an inspiration to me and to all staff who were lucky enough to have worked with him. Sergio’s death is a severe blow to the UN at a difficult time. All of us in the UN family in the Sudan extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Kerry Brogan, former staff member at UNTAET
The death of Sergio, as a former SRSG in Timor, and then as the High Commissioner for Human Rights, weighs heavily on us. We remember his support in establishing a large Human Rights Unit. Sergio was a firm believer in the self-determination of Timor-Leste and always emphasized the importance of building a nation based on respect for human rights.
Emmanuel Decaux
Permettez-moi de vous dire tout simplement que je partage l'émotion et le deuil de la famille des Nations Unies. On ne pouvait rencontrer Sergio Vieira de Mello sans ressentir le charme de sa personnalité chaleureuse et sa force de conviction au service des droits de l'homme, de la justice et de la paix.
Il incarnait ce que les Nations Unies ont de meilleur, l'intelligence, le courage, la générosité, la diplomatie au meilleur sens du terme. Sa perte et celle des femmes et des hommes qui travaillaient à ses côtés, tout comme les dizaines de fonctionnaires ou de casques bleus anonymes qui sont morts au service de l'ONU, sont particulièrement cruelles en ces jours d'incertitude où le monde a plus que jamais besoin des Nations Unies. Il y a quelques jours nous siégions à Genève, au sein de la Sous-Commission des droits de l'homme, sans penser que cette minute de silence qui commence chaque session annuelle allait être aussi pour eux. "Ne demande pas pour qui sonne le glas"...On peut tuer les hommes, on ne peut détruire leur idéal. Sincèrement votre,
Jaap E.Doek Chairperson of the CRC Committee
Words are very poor instruments for the expression of our feelings of sadness and despair about the loss of Mr. Vieira de Mello. We wish you and your office all the strength and wisdom you may need to overcome this loss and to continue with the promotion of human rights around the world.
Sergio was committed to extending the benefits of peace to the whole world. Paradoxically, he died just as he continued to fight for this endeavour. The example he set demands a greater commitment from me personally in furthering his vision of how to create a more peaceful world.
Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
The meeting with Sergio and his team in Geneva earlier this summer was greatly encouraging for me. We spoke two weeks ago and were making plans for our institutions to work together. I sincerely hope that the collaboration that had begun between us will continue after his passing. This will allow us to pay tribute to the ideals so bravely upheld by Sergio throughout his life.
Antoine Bernard, Directeur exécutif de la FIDH
A la veille des funérailles de Sergio Vieira de Mello, je tenais, avec toute l'équipe de la FIDH, à m'adresser à vous personnellement ainsi qu'à votre équipe.
Comme le Président de la FIDH l'a écrit au Secrétaire Général de l'ONU, le meurtre de Sergio Vieira de Mello et de vos collègues nous a profondément bouleversés.
Il a été souligné à travers le monde combien le symbole des Nations Unies a été durement frappé. Mais nous savons combien le rôle des Nations Unies dépend du talent des femmes et des hommes qui en animent l'action, dans les limites par trop étroites qui leur sont souvent fixées.
Le talent de Sergio Vieira de Mello, sa détermination, sa clairvoyance et son intelligence forçaient notre admiration, tout comme son ouverture et sa convivialité.
Même si nous pouvions n'être pas d'accord sur un point, ce qui était rare, échanger avec lui, comme nous l'avions encore fait à la FIDH voilà quelques mois, était toujours pertinent, utile et stimulant.
Sergio Vieira de Mello était un homme rare et sa disparition est un choc.
Nous voulions vous dire combien nous partageons votre peine, celle de ses collègues et de sa famille, et combien nous nous sentons solidaires dans cette terrible épreuve.
Le plus grand hommage que nous puissions lui rendre, c'est de surmonter la tristesse et le découragement, et d'accomplir notre mission commune pour la paix, la démocratie et le respect de tous les droits pour tous.
Notre détermination et notre mobilisation sont totales, et vous pouvez compter sur la FIDH pour contribuer encore, autant qu'elle le pourra, à notre cause commune, celle à laquelle Sergio et ses collègues ont sacrifié leur vie. Par nos actions, nous honorerons leur mémoire.
( http://www.unhchr.ch/html/hchr/testimonials.htm 2003)
Annie Vieira de Mello _ 2003
"Un homme qui a donné sa vie, pour l'égalité et la paix": interrogée sur RTL, l'épouse de Sergio Vieira de Mello, Annie Vieira de Mello, rend hommage à son mari, le représentant spécial de l'Onu en Irak tué lors de l'attentat du 19 août. Ce Brésilien dont le travail est unanimement salué, a été inhumé à Genève ce jeudi. (...).
"Perpétuer ce pour quoi il s'est battu toute sa vie": (...). C'est un document RTL: Rémi Sulmont a pu joindre au téléphone Annie, la veuve de Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Interview
Annie Vieira de Mello:"Il y a de merveilleux témoignages d'amitié, des personnes qui croyaient en ce qu'il faisait. Pour eux, c'est un exemple. Le plus bel hommage qu'on puisse lui rendre, c'est de perpétuer ce pour quoi il s'est battu toute sa vie. Pour l'égalité, pour la paix, voilà ce pour quoi il a donné sa vie, avec simplicité, avec sincérité".
- Vous aviez parlé avec lui des risques de cette mission?
Annie Vieira de Mello: "Bien sûr mais pour lui il était intouchable. Il estimait que les Nations Unies c'était l'emblème de la paix et qu'il n'y avait aucune raison qu'on touche aux Nations Unies. Il n'avait pas peur d'avoir des relations avec n'importe quel mouvement, quel parti. Le dialogue était ce qu'il y avait de plus important. Il savait respecter tout le monde. Il croyait en ce qu'il faisait, il croyait surtout aux hommes et pensait que les hommes étaient raisonnables". ( http://www.rtl.fr/rtlinfo/irak/article.asp?dicid=144156, consultado em 07/09/2003 ).
What was the UN doing in Iraq? It was providing food, it was providing shelter, it was providing humanitarian assistance. A terrorist... has gone and attacked the people who were in Iraq to help.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Sergio Vieira de Mello was a victim of the insanity of terrorism.
Iraq's Governing Council
described the Brazilian diplomat as "a friend of the Iraqi people" and called for a monument to be named in his memory.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell
called Mr Vieira de Mello "a hero who dedicated his life to helping people in danger". Mr Powell said: "Sergio never shirked the most difficult assignments... Where others saw obstacles or despair, he created options and solutions."
Bertrand Ramcharan,
Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the diplomat was "an immensely gifted man".
"He was gifted by nature with intelligence, wit and charm, and to that he added a solid education and a solid commitment to the principles of the United Nations."
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ruud Lubbers,
recalled Mr Vieira de Mello as "a true gentleman who garnered the respect of adversaries, a tough negotiator who fought for human rights and the dignity of the downtrodden".
Hedayat Abdel-Nabi,
President of the Geneva UN correspondents association, called Mr Vieira de Mello "the best of the best - a charismatic, brilliant character".
Countries across Asia, where Mr Vieira de Mello served for many years, also lined up to honour the fallen diplomat.
East Timor President Xanana Gusmao
"Our nation mourns the death of a unique and unforgettable friend.
"He fought tirelessly for democracy, human rights and sustainable justice for the people of East Timor."
Léo Kanemann, Directeur du Festival International du Film sur les droits humains
« C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de M. Sergio Vieira de Mello à Bagdad, dans des conditions atroces. Nous gardons un souvenir ému de son soutien enthousiaste en tant que parrain du premier Festival, le 28 mars dernier. Cette disparition nous confirme tragiquement la nécessité de combattre les violations des droits de l’homme, et c’est en sa mémoire que nous continuerons notre manifestation. »
Olivier Duffau, cinéaste, ARTE
« L’horreur et le dégoût.
Pourquoi lui, l’homme de Paix ? »
Reporters sans frontières
« La mort de Sergio Vieira de Mello est une vraie perte pour les trop nombreuses victimes des exactions, des violations des libertés. Il était leur porte-parole, d’une rare efficacité. Il était aussi un allié précieux pour les défenseurs des droits de l’homme qui savaient pouvoir compter sur cet avocat infatigable de leur cause. En seulement quelques mois, il avait su donner à la fonction de Haut-Commissaire aux droits de l’homme un deuxième souffle, une deuxième dimension. Il savait ne pas mâcher ses mots –y compris à l’égard de la bureaucratie onusienne – et travaillait en toute confiance avec les organisations non gouvernementales »
Geneva Association of United Nations correspondents
« Sergio Vieira de Mello was the star of the UN, the man who was loved by the media, and who respected the work of the media. He was the best of the mediatic UN diplomats and as all agreed he was the best of the best, a charismatic, brilliant character with intellectual superiority. The loss of Sergio Vieira de Mello is not only a loss for the UN, but also a monumental loss for the Geneva press corps. He had an electric human effect on all whose who knew him; his contribution to humanity is that of the superior intellect, the perpetrators of the attack killed this major human contribution to humanity.
It is an attack against all what is good in our world.
Sergio will lead the other victims of today’s attack as the leading hero of humanity.”
El Hadji Gorgui Wade Ndoye
« Il croyait aux droits de l’homme. Il est mort sur le terrain. Philosophe de formation et homme de conviction, Sergio Vieira de Mello s’était toujours montré très sensible aux problèmes de l’humanité. Il avait un contact facile avec les populations civiles qui souffrent dans les quatre coins du monde. Dans un entretien qu’il avait accordé au «Soleil» du Sénégal, il disait : "J’ai choisi l’Afrique comme mon premier continent pour mes visites de travail. C’est un message de solidarité que je donne à l’Afrique. C’est le respect des droits de l’homme qui garantit la paix. Il n’y a pas de conflit sans violation des droits de l’homme. Au mois de mai dernier, il est nommé Envoyé spécial de l’ONU en Irak. Il devait passer 4 mois à Bagdad. Il lui restait encore quelques semaines. Mais Sergio Vieira de Mello ignorait qu’il allait y laisser sa vie. L’ONU devra s’armer, aujourd’hui, Sergio plus que jamais, de ton courage et de ta dévotion, afin que ton combat pour la paix et l’universalisation des droits de l’homme ne s’éteigne. Adieu Sergio ! Repose en paix.!»
Amado Philip de Andrés, UNMIK
« Sergio Vieira de Mello was an inspiration for young and more senior UN staff alike. The devastating bomb explosion that has changed the path of our colleague Sergio from returning to Geneva next month to going to Heaven will certainly pave the way for men and women in the United Nations dedicated to peace-keeping, democracy and human rights to persevere with even greater energy in their endeavors. Sergio, God BlessYour Soul. Saudades.”
Thierry Dodin, Tibet Information Network, London
“It is with stupor and disarray, later than with anger that I read about the tragic assassination of Sergio Vieira de Mello. That this coward act was directed against a man who had come to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Iraq is particularly appalling and revolting for all those who believe in a more human world in which justice would prevail over violence. Eventhough these words will not erase the bitter pain of his family, they should know that Sergio’s memory and his work of decades will remain a monument for human rights.”
Dr. LEE Jong-wook, Director General, World Heath Organization
« Tout au long de sa longue et remarquable carrière, Sergio a mis au service de ceux qui avaient le plus besoin de lui ses compétences, sa compassion et sa bonne humeur. Un seul acte de terrorisme prive ainsi le peuple iraquien et les peuples de tous les pays d’un ardent défenseur et d’un homme hors pair. Il manquera cruellement à tous. »
No Peace Without Justice
The killing of Sergio Vieira De Mello and other UN personnel in Baghdad, clearly represent a war crime, as defined under article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Antonella Notari, porte-parole CICR
Nous avons tous beaucoup pensé à vous, nos collègues au Bureau du Haut Commissaire, ici au service de presse du CICR. Avec une énorme de tristesse et aussi avec une grande colère contre cette terrible violence par laquelle M. De Mello et ses collègues nous ont été arrachés.
Richard Werly, Le Temps
Je tenais simplement à vous dire, au nom du service international du "Temps" toutes nos affectueuses pensées en ces moments difficiles. Sergio avait toujours été pour "Le Temps" un impeccable partenaire et interlocuteur. Il nous manquera, croyez le bien, autant qu'à vous et à ses autres proches collaborateurs.
Human Rights Watch
Sergio was not only an accomplished diplomat, but a true humanitarian, it is tragic he should end up the victim of the kind of war crime he fought so hard to prevent."
"Sergio's assignment to Iraq showed his unique ability to get things done. At a time when many people disparage the United Nations, he demonstrated its capacity to make a difference on the ground."
Développement et Paix
Développement et Paix déplore la mort tragique de Sergio Vieira de Mello, le représentant spécial de l'ONU en Irak, lors d'un attentat perpétré ce matin contre les bâtiments de l'ONU à Bagdad.
Développement et Paix, une des seules ONG canadiennes à oeuvrer au Timor oriental, a pu constater le courage et la détermination de monsieur de Mello, alors Administrateur transitoire des Nations Unies au Timor oriental.
Renaud Charles, journaliste au Monde
A l'autre bout de la Turquie, la nouvelle de l'attentat de Bagdad vient de me parvenir. Je souhaitais vous faire part de toute mon émotion et de ma tristesse face à ce terrible événement.
Juilana Schiavo, United States
I am heartbroken by the loss of your High Commissioner. I did not know this man but feel that we have lost a great person. The United Nations as an organization has done so much for the world and I truly appreciate everyone's work there. I will be saddened by this for some time. My sincerest condolences go out to his wonderful family. I'm just heartbroken.
Norodom Ranariddh, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia
I have known Mr. Sergio de Mello personally since he was working here in Cambodia during the 1992-1993 U.N. Peace Keeping Operation. He was a wonderful man -a man who has rendered outstanding services to the suffering people of Cambodia. He was loved and admired by many of his colleagues and known here in Cambodia as a smiling U.N. Representative on Humanitarian Affairs. His warm heart and charisma had captured the love and admiration of all the people who had known him. The world has lost a great man -a man who wanted nothing else but to serve the suffering people in the world.
This terrible act of terrorism must not go unpunished. I wish to join other world leaders and you in particular, Mr. Secretary -General, to condemn this violent act of cowardice that caused the loss of many innocent lives. Those who committed this horrible crime must be caught and be brought to justice.
Norodom Sihanouk, Roi du Cambodge
Votre haut Représentant, S.E. Sergio Viera de Mello, est un véritable Héros de l’Humanité. Au nom de l’ONU, il avait aidé et servi avec une abnégation, une grande efficacité, un dénouement sans borne, sans chercher aucun avantage personnel, aucune gloire, tant de Pays et de Peuples dans le monde, y compris le Cambodge et son Peuple. Il m’avait spontanément accordé son amitié et son estime. Notre si belle et affectueuse amitié sera toujours chérie en mon cœur et mon esprit.
Samson Kaunga Ndanyi ( Kenya)
Sergio, you did a lot for the world more than you did for your family. I did not know you and you didn't know me either. But, your tragic death, caused by a few barbaric individuals who harbour hatred in their hearts ignited a light within me that will be hard to put off. I read your profile. It inspired me. Sleep brother. I promise I will carry from where you left.
God bless
Isabel Pallares, former OHCHR intern
I worked as an intern last summer at the OHCHR. I remember speaking with another of Sergio Vieira de Mello's colleagues who described to me his adventures with Sergio as an intern. It was hard for me to imagine a man that I admired so much being a mere intern. His first day at the OHCHR, Sergio actually sat down in the cafe and had a coffee with the rest of the staff. This was something that we were not used to seeing, the High Commissioner sipping coffee with the rest of us. I liked him instantly. He had a presence about him that exuded confidence and pride yet he was very approachable at the same time. His charm was apparent from the first moment he spoke. I have never heard someone master so many languages with the ease and grace of a native.
I shook his hand on the last day of my internship. When I left Geneva, Sergio de Mello had only just begun his mission, yet I had no doubt that the OHCHR was in the best of hands I had nothing but hope for the organization. He is a man who will be remembered and honored for the good that he did for the international community and for the protection of human rights around the world. I will miss him as I am sure the entire human rights community will. May the peace that he and others lost their lives to gain be attained.
Peace & Social Justice Program, The Ford Foundation
I know you all must be very sad. We at The Ford Foundation join you in your sorrow and deeply feel the tragic loss of Mr. Vieira de Mello. He offered the world so much through his experience, expertise, and sense of justice. It is truly a terrible loss on so many levels.
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
The death of the UN special envoy to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello is a loss that will be felt throughout the international community. Palestinian civil society welcomed the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s appointment of Mr. Vieira de Mello as his special representative to Iraq and he was also greatly admired for his work as High Commissioner for Human Rights – his permanent position at the UN. Mr. Vieira de Mello was known as a tireless human rights campaigner and respected diplomat, whose convictions and efforts at promoting the universality of human rights will continue to be felt around the globe.
Prof. Hatem Kotrane, Membre CRC
Puissions-nous, peuples du monde entier, honorer la mémoire de Sergio Vieira de Mello et continuer son combat. Pour réapprendre à la jeunesse les valeurs de la liberté, de l’égalité et de la justice. Pour réinventer les principes de la paix, de la solidarité et de l’amitié entre tous les peuples et toutes les nations. Pour permettre aux générations futures d’inscrire éternellement l’humanité dans leur confiance!
Lara Gabriel, former UNHCR and OHCHR colleague
The dream against all odds of one woman to forge the United Nations and the practice of human rights has been your life's task. We can only carry on. With such sorrow, senseless and pure for you - who were truly good. Never forgetting the face and hands behind the politics, their wars, the flight and madness which killed you. We have but that determination we wear as the badge of the United Nations; for that is all we have left of an age when people believed the heart was an organ of goodness; that light was stronger than darkness; that death came to you in your proper time - an age when the dream of Man nearly came true."
Penal Reform International
Sergio Vieira de Mello's death is a great loss for the international human rights community, he whose commitment to peace and human rights is acknowledged and valued by all human rights activists and NGOs.
Swami Agnivesh, Chairperson, UN Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
I am writing this, on behalf of myself and the Board of Trustees of the UN Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, to express my shock and sadness at the untimely and violent death of Ambassador Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights in the recent terrorist attack in Baghdad. As a human rights and peace activist, I deem the death of Ambassador Sergio as an irreparable loss to the cause of peace and human rights movement all over the world. Events of this epic magnitude call us to take note of the virus of violence and senseless destruction that is spreading all through the world. It is also an occasion for us to remember with compassion the victims of violence and oppression all over the world for whom Ambassador Sergio laid down his life. The only way we can pay true homage to the life of this great soul is to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace and human rights for all people in our tortured and troubled world.
Francis Deng, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons
It is extremely rare to find an individual who achieved the level of excellence in virtually all aspects of his work. Sergio Vieira de Mello did. He was outstanding intellectually, charismatic, witty, charming, diplomatic but forthright, courageous and firm. There are really no words to adequately describe this most remarkable man.
His service to humanity through the United Nations, which took him to trouble spots around the world -- Sudan, Cyprus, Mozambique, Peru, Lebanon, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Congo, Kosovo, East Timor and tragically, Iraq -- attest to his dedication to the ideals of this world organization: the search for peace, security and the dignity of the human family.
Tim Sebastian & Carey Clark, HARDtalk, BBC News
Hardtalk and Tim Sebastian met Mr. Vieira de Mello twice in the last couple of years, most recently in April 2003 when we traveled to Geneva to talk to him in his role as UN Commissioner for Human Rights. On both occasions we were all impressed by his honesty and commitment to the United Nations and to the people he served. It was a privilege to meet him and hear his thoughts, and it was clear from the feedback that we received that our views felt the same.
We want to let you know that the thoughts of all the HardTalk team have been with Mr. Vieira de Mello’s family and his many colleagues, who we know will feel his loss very keenly. He was a good and decent man whose contribution to the world will be very much missed.
Bureau du HCDH, République Démocratique du Congo
Tout au long de sa brillante carrière au sein des Nations Unies, Monsieur Sergio Vieira de Mello, comme l’a souligné le Secrétaire Général de l’ONU, a été un remarquable serviteur de l’humanité, toujours prêt à soulager les souffrances de tant d’hommes et de femmes, en les aidant à régler leurs différends et à reconstruire leurs sociétés déchirées par les guerres.
Mukesh Kapila, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan
I feel privileged to have served directly with Sergio at the United Nations, and counted him as a personal friend whose courage, diplomacy and intellect were an inspiration to me and to all staff who were lucky enough to have worked with him. Sergio’s death is a severe blow to the UN at a difficult time. All of us in the UN family in the Sudan extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Kerry Brogan, former staff member at UNTAET
The death of Sergio, as a former SRSG in Timor, and then as the High Commissioner for Human Rights, weighs heavily on us. We remember his support in establishing a large Human Rights Unit. Sergio was a firm believer in the self-determination of Timor-Leste and always emphasized the importance of building a nation based on respect for human rights.
Emmanuel Decaux
Permettez-moi de vous dire tout simplement que je partage l'émotion et le deuil de la famille des Nations Unies. On ne pouvait rencontrer Sergio Vieira de Mello sans ressentir le charme de sa personnalité chaleureuse et sa force de conviction au service des droits de l'homme, de la justice et de la paix.
Il incarnait ce que les Nations Unies ont de meilleur, l'intelligence, le courage, la générosité, la diplomatie au meilleur sens du terme. Sa perte et celle des femmes et des hommes qui travaillaient à ses côtés, tout comme les dizaines de fonctionnaires ou de casques bleus anonymes qui sont morts au service de l'ONU, sont particulièrement cruelles en ces jours d'incertitude où le monde a plus que jamais besoin des Nations Unies. Il y a quelques jours nous siégions à Genève, au sein de la Sous-Commission des droits de l'homme, sans penser que cette minute de silence qui commence chaque session annuelle allait être aussi pour eux. "Ne demande pas pour qui sonne le glas"...On peut tuer les hommes, on ne peut détruire leur idéal. Sincèrement votre,
Jaap E.Doek Chairperson of the CRC Committee
Words are very poor instruments for the expression of our feelings of sadness and despair about the loss of Mr. Vieira de Mello. We wish you and your office all the strength and wisdom you may need to overcome this loss and to continue with the promotion of human rights around the world.
Sergio was committed to extending the benefits of peace to the whole world. Paradoxically, he died just as he continued to fight for this endeavour. The example he set demands a greater commitment from me personally in furthering his vision of how to create a more peaceful world.
Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
The meeting with Sergio and his team in Geneva earlier this summer was greatly encouraging for me. We spoke two weeks ago and were making plans for our institutions to work together. I sincerely hope that the collaboration that had begun between us will continue after his passing. This will allow us to pay tribute to the ideals so bravely upheld by Sergio throughout his life.
Antoine Bernard, Directeur exécutif de la FIDH
A la veille des funérailles de Sergio Vieira de Mello, je tenais, avec toute l'équipe de la FIDH, à m'adresser à vous personnellement ainsi qu'à votre équipe.
Comme le Président de la FIDH l'a écrit au Secrétaire Général de l'ONU, le meurtre de Sergio Vieira de Mello et de vos collègues nous a profondément bouleversés.
Il a été souligné à travers le monde combien le symbole des Nations Unies a été durement frappé. Mais nous savons combien le rôle des Nations Unies dépend du talent des femmes et des hommes qui en animent l'action, dans les limites par trop étroites qui leur sont souvent fixées.
Le talent de Sergio Vieira de Mello, sa détermination, sa clairvoyance et son intelligence forçaient notre admiration, tout comme son ouverture et sa convivialité.
Même si nous pouvions n'être pas d'accord sur un point, ce qui était rare, échanger avec lui, comme nous l'avions encore fait à la FIDH voilà quelques mois, était toujours pertinent, utile et stimulant.
Sergio Vieira de Mello était un homme rare et sa disparition est un choc.
Nous voulions vous dire combien nous partageons votre peine, celle de ses collègues et de sa famille, et combien nous nous sentons solidaires dans cette terrible épreuve.
Le plus grand hommage que nous puissions lui rendre, c'est de surmonter la tristesse et le découragement, et d'accomplir notre mission commune pour la paix, la démocratie et le respect de tous les droits pour tous.
Notre détermination et notre mobilisation sont totales, et vous pouvez compter sur la FIDH pour contribuer encore, autant qu'elle le pourra, à notre cause commune, celle à laquelle Sergio et ses collègues ont sacrifié leur vie. Par nos actions, nous honorerons leur mémoire.
( http://www.unhchr.ch/html/hchr/testimonials.htm 2003)
Annie Vieira de Mello _ 2003
"Un homme qui a donné sa vie, pour l'égalité et la paix": interrogée sur RTL, l'épouse de Sergio Vieira de Mello, Annie Vieira de Mello, rend hommage à son mari, le représentant spécial de l'Onu en Irak tué lors de l'attentat du 19 août. Ce Brésilien dont le travail est unanimement salué, a été inhumé à Genève ce jeudi. (...).
"Perpétuer ce pour quoi il s'est battu toute sa vie": (...). C'est un document RTL: Rémi Sulmont a pu joindre au téléphone Annie, la veuve de Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Interview
Annie Vieira de Mello:"Il y a de merveilleux témoignages d'amitié, des personnes qui croyaient en ce qu'il faisait. Pour eux, c'est un exemple. Le plus bel hommage qu'on puisse lui rendre, c'est de perpétuer ce pour quoi il s'est battu toute sa vie. Pour l'égalité, pour la paix, voilà ce pour quoi il a donné sa vie, avec simplicité, avec sincérité".
- Vous aviez parlé avec lui des risques de cette mission?
Annie Vieira de Mello: "Bien sûr mais pour lui il était intouchable. Il estimait que les Nations Unies c'était l'emblème de la paix et qu'il n'y avait aucune raison qu'on touche aux Nations Unies. Il n'avait pas peur d'avoir des relations avec n'importe quel mouvement, quel parti. Le dialogue était ce qu'il y avait de plus important. Il savait respecter tout le monde. Il croyait en ce qu'il faisait, il croyait surtout aux hommes et pensait que les hommes étaient raisonnables". ( http://www.rtl.fr/rtlinfo/irak/article.asp?dicid=144156, consultado em 07/09/2003 ).
VIGIL FOR SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (August 23, 2003). Laurent Vieira de Mello and Adrian Vieira de Mello, sons of Sergio Vieira de Mello, and his wife Annie Vieira de Mello
Laurent Vieira de Mello and Adrien Vieira de Mello _ 2003
Mission Permanente de la France auprès des Nations Unies à Genève - La Légion d’Honneur à Sergio Vieira de Mello _ 2004
Mme Annie Vieira de Mello, l'Ambassadeur M. Bernard Kessedjian, et M. Celso Amorim Ministre brésilien des Affaires étrangères, Genève, le 21 octobre 2004.En présence d’amis très proches de la famille et de quelques personnalités, dont M. Celso AMORIM, Ministre brésilien des Affaires étrangères, et M. Ruud LUBBERS, Haut-Commissaire aux Réfugiés, une cérémonie a été organisée à la Résidence de France, à Genève, le jeudi 21 octobre 2004, à la mémoire de Sergio VIEIRA DE MELLO.
L’Ambassadeur, M. Bernard KESSEDJIAN, a remis à Mme Annie VIEIRA DE MELLO, en présence de ses deux fils, Laurent et Adrien, les insignes de Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur décernés à titre posthume à Sergio VIEIRA DE MELLO.
L’Ambassadeur a fait l’éloge « de cet enfant de Rio, fils du Brésil, élevé dans la culture française, et qui est devenu le fils adoptif de la France qu’il considérait comme sa seconde patrie ». Il a salué la mémoire d’un « juste, inlassable défenseur des oubliés de la terre et convaincu qu’il est possible de résoudre les problèmes les plus ardus, si l’on tend la main de la solidarité à tous les peuples qui souffrent ».
Link,http://www.delegfrance-onu-geneve.org/kiosque/actualite/ceremonie-vieira.htm, consultado a 22 de Agosto de 2006.
Remise de la bourgeoisie d´honneur de Genève à titre posthume à Monsieur Sergio Vieira de Mello _ 2004.
"La bourgeoisie d´honneur de Genève à titre posthume a été remise aujourd´hui à Sergio Vieira de Mello en hommage au rôle prépondérant qui fut le sien en faveur de la promotion de la paix dans le monde et à son inlassable engagement en faveur des droits de l´homme. La cérémonie de remise de cette bourgeoisie d´honneur s´est déroulée en présence de sa veuve Madame Annie Vieira de Mello et d´un de ses fils, ainsi que du Conseil d´Etat in corpore et du chancelier d´Etat, de Messieurs Pascal Pétroz, président du Grand Conseil, et Sergei Ordzhonikidze, directeur général de l´Office des Nations Unies à Genève, ainsi que de Madame Louise Arbour, Haut Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l´homme. (...)"
Link,http://160.53.186.12/chancellerie/conseil/2001-2005/ppresse/2004_0927.html ,consultado a 22 de Agosto de 2006.
Former UN United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan delivers his message during the first Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 17, 2008. 
