The world will unite on August 21, 2024, to observe the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. The UN General Assembly declared this day to be a potent reminder of the long-lasting effects of terrorism and the ability to recover of its victims. The topic for this year is “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators,” which highlights the vital role that survivors and victims play in promoting understanding and peace.
Significance of the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
The purpose of the International Day of Remembrance is to provide individuals who have been harmed by terrorism a platform. Adopted on June 22, 2023, the eighth review resolution (A/RES/77/298) emphasizes how critical it is to assist victims’ needs and rights, especially those of women, children, and other groups impacted by gender-based violence. The resolution calls on member states to create all-encompassing aid programs that attend to the victims’ short- and long-term needs and guarantee they get the help they need to start again.
Global Commemoration and Events
A number of activities planned for this year’s celebration aim to remember and raise awareness of the victims of terrorism:
1. High-Level Virtual Event
- Date: 21 August 2024
- Highlights: UN Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver a pre-recorded message at the event, along with remarks from Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, and the co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism (Iraq and Spain). Terrorism victims will also talk about their own experiences and advocate for group actions to promote peace.
2. Panel Discussion: Victims as Peace Advocates
- Theme: “Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators”
- Discussion Points: The panel will look into the ways that victim voices might impact peace advocacy, how education can help stop terrorism, and what kinds of projects have been successful in promoting peace. Survivors, victims, and representatives from member states and victims’ groups will be on the panel.
3. “Memories” Exhibition
- Duration: 23 July – 23 August 2024
- Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
- Exhibition: The “Memories” project will be on display, together with three short films from the Legacy Project that highlight victims’ resilience and the long-lasting effects of terrorism.
The Role of Victims as Agents of Change
Terrorist victims are not just survivors; they are also committed supporters of peace. Through their experiences, they add to the body of knowledge about the effects of terrorism and the significance of building resilient, peaceful communities. Their views are crucial in forming laws that uphold victims’ rights, advance peace, and stop new terrorist attacks.
Let’s salute the tenacity and fortitude of the terrorist victims as we observe the International Day of Remembrance. Their tales serve as both a monument to their bravery and an exhortation to all of us to work together to create a future characterized by harmony, understanding, and peace.
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