Juba - “His absence in our lives is immeasurable as is his continued presence that will always inform the way that we move through the world.”
The enormous loss of Nicholas Haysom has resonated around the world but is felt most keenly by those closest to him.
Rebecca Haysom perfectly captured the essence of her father who passed away last week, after serving as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in conflict-affected South Sudan.
“The serious and important work that he did was founded on his curiosity, and delight and compassion for the everyday world around him,” she shared via video link to a memorial service in Juba, where hundreds of members of the diplomatic community, Government officials, peacekeepers, humanitarians and others were gathered to honor him.
Delivering the eulogy for his colleague and friend, Graham Maitland, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General described his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights as “not an abstract ideal, but something lived, argued and defended, sometimes stubbornly and always courageously”.
“You stood for justice when it was difficult. You bought clarity when things were uncertain and you brought humanity – always – into spaces that desperately needed it. Those are your gifts to us. And now, it is on us to carry them forward.”
Mr. Haysom had decades of distinguished service with the United Nations in the world’s most complex, conflict-affected environments, including Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and, latterly, South Sudan.
“A hallmark of Fink’s leadership was the simplicity and clarity with which he approached even the most complex political challenges,” explained UNMISS Officer-in-Charge, Anita Kiki Gbeho.
“He always reminded South Sudan’s leaders that at the heart of peace lies the truth: the ability to live together. He encouraged them consistently to find a way to coexist, to reconcile, and to look beyond personal or political divides.”
Mr. Haysom’s ideals and principles were firmly founded in his early life as an anti-apartheid activist and fierce advocate for justice and democracy in South Africa.
“Fink was one of the legal minds that drafted our democratic constitution in the Republic of South Africa and his tenure in the Republic of South Sudan was equally about his quest of wanting to see the Republic of South Sudan achieving its democracy by going to a democratic, national general election,” said South Africa’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Mahlodi Sam Muofhe.
Tribute was paid to Mr. Haysom’s razor-sharp intellect, strong and principled leadership, and wisdom in navigating crises as well as his determination that peace should be founded on the welfare and aspirations of a country’s people.
“Fink embodied the very best of the United Nations: integrity, courage, humility and deep dedication to the pursuit of peace in even the most challenging conditions. For many of us here, beyond his titles and official roles, he was really a model of humility and empathy. He was also a skillful, realistic and clear-eyed negotiator, determined and tough when it was needed in upholding the values and principles of the United Nations,” said the Under-Secretary-General for United Nations Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
The Government of South Sudan appreciated Mr. Haysom’s professionalism and partnership in helping to navigate the country’s immense challenges on the journey to peace and democracy.
“He brought intellectual clarity, political acumen and selfless, principled leadership to some of the most complex peace processes of our time and shared this expertise in the service of our dear country, South Sudan,” said Vice-President, Dr. James Wani Igga.
While Nicholas (Fink) Haysom has left us, he will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire and offer hope to all those whose lives he touched and changed for the better.
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By Francesca Mold
