AFT President on the Deadly Attack on UN Peacekeepers

WASHINGTON— AFT President Randi Weingarten on the devastating, unprecedented and deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

“Every day, brave men and women around the world who serve the United Nations work to secure peace in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict areas. These international civil servants, including the Blue Helmets, do what is hard, fight for what is just and put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that we live in a world that is free from war, genocide and other atrocities.

“We are heartsick with grief for the families of the fallen peacekeepers. The horrifying news of the 15 U.N. peacekeepers killed and 40 wounded in the DRC—the worst single loss for the United Nations since 1993—should cause pause for citizens around the globe and should force us all to fight for a world that is peaceful and just.

“The staff of the United Nations—international civil servants—play a critical role in maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development and upholding international laws. This work is vital to our common security and human development and requires support from our elected leaders and our appointed diplomats who serve throughout the world. Let us use the memory of our 15 fallen brothers and sisters to fight back against any attempt to decrease U.S. support and resources to the United Nations, and fight forward to end austerity measures that will hamper the U.N. effort globally.”