UN calls for unity, support on day of remembrance for terrorism victims
This day was set aside by a General Assembly resolution to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The United Nations has called on everyone to listen, support, and act alongside victims of terrorism to build a more inclusive and peaceful future.
This is as the world marks International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism today. It was set aside by a General Assembly resolution to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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The global entity notes that despite international condemnation of terrorism, victims and survivors of terrorism often struggle to have their voices heard, their needs supported, and their rights upheld.
As a result, they often feel forgotten and neglected once the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack fades, with profound consequences for them.
"Acts of terrorism propagating a wide range of hateful ideologies continue to injure, harm, and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Let us all promote the power of solidarity, collaboration, and healing," urges the UN.
In Kenya, several victims of terrorism are still pushing for compensation years after the attacks happened. While others are struggling to recover from their losses after attacks robbed them of their livelihoods.
"Few Member States have the resources or the capacity to fulfil the medium and long-term needs of victims of terrorism to enable them to recover, rehabilitate, and re-integrate into society fully. Most victims can only recover and cope with their trauma through long-term multi-dimensional support, including physical, psychological, social, and financial," says the UN.
It adds that while member States have the primary responsibility to support victims of terrorism and uphold their rights, the UN has an important role in supporting victims by offering capacity building assistance; establishing networks; and offering support to civil society organizations, particularly victims' associations; and encouraging Member States to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims of terrorism.
In April this year, the UN launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) to bring together victims and survivors of terrorism, victims' associations, and civil society organizations from across the globe in a bid to provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support each other, build resilience, and engage as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders.
Meanwhile, a high-level virtual event to mark the day will be held under the theme, "United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism," inspired by members of VoTAN to emphasise the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose.
The UN encourages all Member States to raise awareness on victims of terrorism and the promotion and protection of their rights, and develop national comprehensive assistance plans for victims of terrorism and their families to address the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of victims of terrorism.
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