Education
As classes at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro were continually disrupted by strikes, he decided to continue his education in Europe. Firstly in Switzerland, then in France. While studying at Sorbonne University, he participated in the 1968 student riots in Paris against the Charles de Gaulle government, and was hit in the head by a police baton, causing a permanent disfigurement above his right eye.
Career
Sérgio Vieira de Mello was a Brazilian United Nations official who worked for the UN for more than 34 years, earning respect and praise around the world for his efforts in the humanitarian and political programs of the UN. He was killed in the Canal Hotel Bombing in Iraq along with 20 other members of his staff on 19 August 2003 while working as the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Iraq. Before his death, he was considered a likely candidate for UN Secretary-General.