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FICSA strongly deplores the vicious attack on our WFP colleagues working in Islamabad. The attack, which killed five workers of the World Food Program on Monday, pushed the U.N. to temporarily close its offices in the country and exposed the vulnerability of many international relief agencies working to provide aid to millions of civilians. As reported by the Associated Press, the suicide bomber was dressed Monday as a paramilitary officer and was allowed to enter the World Food Program offices — apparently bypassing the normal security procedures — after asking the guards outside if he could use the bathroom. The WFP compound was heavily fortified and this breach of security should have been prevented.

UNICEF, UNHCR and WFP have all lost staff in Pakistan over the past six months. We remind Member States of their responsibility to protect UN system staff, and call on all those responsible for security to respect the policies and procedures in place.

The Federation wishes to convey its condolences to the family members and friends of those who lost their life serving the cause of the United Nations. May their memory be honoured in the international community.