UNICEF Pays Tribute to Colleagues Killed and Injured in Somalia Attack
NEW YORK (April 21, 2015) – 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 honor 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.
Our thoughts are with the families of all who died, with those who were injured, and with all our staff who continue to work tirelessly in Somalia to support women and children.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org