12 January 2011 - The United Nations in Guinea-Bissau today held a wreath-laying ceremony in tribute to the thousands of victims of Haiti earthquake occurred one year ago.

In a statement SRSG Joseph Mutaboba (right in the picture), remembered the approximately 220,000 victims who died in the disaster, including "59 civilian personnel and 43 members of military and police contingents among our colleagues at the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)".

While saluting Haitian people, Mr. Mutaboba recalled the continuing work of MINUSTAH with other partners to implement its mandate in support of peace, reconstruction and development in Haiti. "As the United Nations, we will continue to stand united behind Haiti to support efforts to bring hope and a better life to its people", he stated.

At the end of his statement, SRSG Mutaboba and acting UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Geoff Wiffin, laid a wreath in memory of the victims before the observance of 47 seconds of silence by the UN staff in Guinea-Bissau.