This is not the first time UNHCR workers have been singled out by these militia groups. (But) this is the worst attack on humanitarian workers so far.

These incidents are becoming increasingly targeted against UNHCR staff. We cannot work in this atmosphere.

They were quickly surrounded by a mob of refugees, of thugs, of militias -- bearing machetes, holding stones, swinging sticks in the air. They were knocked to the ground, beaten up. One of them was thrown into a rice paddy and had his head repeatedly forced under the water.

By the time Van died everyone involved in the case knew the prison workers had only been kindly to him and he loved them, to use his words.

This industry is undergoing extraordinary changes. If there was ever a time for workers to have professional representation and a voice at work, this is it.

It was a better deal than last time, maybe the best deal the workers shall get.