UN-Habitat regrets to confirm the death of one of our colleagues, Ms Daphna Beerdsen,on the night of Sunday 27 April 2014 at her residence in Phnom Penh. Her partner, Mr Joris Oele, is currently an international consultant with UN-Habitat working in Cambodia.

Ms Beerdsen was killed in an attack at her home, the details of which are still under police investigation. The couple’s daughter, who was also injured in the attack, has been medically evacuated to Thailand where she is receiving treatment.

Dr Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said: “All of us at UN-Habitat and in the UN family at large are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Ms Daphna Beerdsen. UN-Habitat is supporting Mr Oele wherever we can and our heartfelt condolences go out to him and the couple’s family as they deal with this tragedy.”

UN-Habitat would appreciate consideration from the media to respect the privacy of the family at this extremely difficult time.