The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on Thursday began with a gesture of respect as participants observed a minute of silence for Iranian President Raisi and his companions who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran. UNGA President Dennis Francis extended his condolences to the Iranian people and government on behalf of the General Assembly. The UN Security Council also paid tribute with a moment of silence and lowered the UN flag to half-mast.
In a similar act of remembrance, Chief Justices and Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States held a minute of silence in honor of President Raisi during their 19th meeting in Uzbekistan. The Iranian delegation, led by Kazem Gharibabadi, Secretary of Iran’s High Council for Human Rights, participated in the event.
It is heartening to see global solidarity and respect being shown for the lives lost in this tragic accident, highlighting the importance of unity and empathy in times of sorrow.