WIREDGOV

With great sadness, UNICEF can now release the names of the four colleagues who were killed in a horrific attack as they travelled to work yesterday in Garowe, northern Somalia.

Those who lost their lives were:

• Mr. Payenda Gul Abed, who had been coordinating UNICEF’s polio immunization efforts in Garowe since May 2014.
• Ms. Brenda Kyeyune, who had managed social mobilization and communication initiatives in support of polio eradication in Somalia since 2014.
• Ms. Woki Munyui, who had been supporting UNICEF’s education work in Somalia since 2007.
• Mr. Stephen Oduor, who had been undertaking vital administrative work for UNICEF Somalia since 2010.

These heroes were dedicated to building a better world for children – today, all of us at UNICEF honour their sacrifice.

Five other UNICEF colleagues are being treated for injuries sustained in the attack, and we hope for their speedy recovery.

Two local security personnel, unrelated to UNICEF, were also killed as a result of the attack, and four others injured.

Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director, said:

“The horrific attack on our UNICEF colleagues today in northern Somalia is an assault not only on them but on the people they served. Our immediate thoughts are with the families of the four staff members who were killed and with those who were injured. All of us at UNICEF are deeply saddened, and deeply angered.

“Our colleagues dedicated their lives to working for the children of Somalia. They are not victims. They and those who were wounded are heroes. We mourn their loss and hope for the full recovery of the injured.

“Our continuing work for the most vulnerable children and their families in Somalia will be a fitting tribute to those we have lost.”

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact:

Emily Poyser (UK), Tel: + 44 (0)20 7375 6154 EmilyP@unicef.org.uk

Unicef UK Press Office +44 (0)207 375 6030 // media@unicef.org.uk

Follow the Unicef Uk Press Office on Twitter @UnicefUK_media

About UNICEF
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk