PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution (A/RES/72/165 (2017), established 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in order raise awareness on the importance of supporting victims of terrorism during their rehabilitation, to observe a minute of silence for the lost ones, to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism, to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.The eighth review resolution, adopted on 22 June 2023 (A/RES/77/298) notes the importance of upholding the rights and supporting the needs of victims of terrorism, in particular of women, children and those affected by sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorists. It encourages all Member States to develop national comprehensive assistance plans for victims of terrorism and their families to address the immediate-, short- and long-term needs of victims of terrorism. The resolution welcomed the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022 at United Nations Headquarters, encourages the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, through the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme and the United Nations Victims of Terrorism Support Portal, to continue to raise awareness on victims of terrorism and the promotion and protection of their rights. This includes strengthening the capacity of Member States to assist victims of terrorism and strengthen their engagement with relevant civil society and private sector organisations, which can play a valuable role in assisting and supporting victims of terrorism. 

FORUM: "Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators." International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024. This year’s theme emphasizes the pivotal role of victims and survivors as agents of change and peace educators. It pays tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism across the world and to their efforts to transform their personal tragedies into collective strengths, emphasizing the importance of heeding their voices when they advocate for peacebuilding initiatives while also fostering dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities. These efforts are critical components of peaceful and open societies, to which victims and survivors of terrorism play a pivotal role. On this day we will held discussions on evaluating the potential threats and What are terrorism threat levels?. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism, #UNCCT, #VictimsofTerrorism,  #21August, #FindingHope, #BuildingaPeacefulFuture.

EVENTS: 7th commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. Amid the multiplicity of violent conflicts and terrorist attacks worldwide, this day continues to honour victims and survivors of terrorism, ensure their voices are elevated, raise awareness and highlight global solidarity. By amplifying the voices and experiences of victims, the International Day seeks to inspire collective action and empower individuals and communities to work towards a future defined by peace, solidarity, and resilience.

At UNHQ New York, on August 21st; The United Nations marks the seventh commemoration. To observe the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024, the UNCCT will highlight the powerful voices of victims of terrorism throughout their experiences and journeys to create meaningful and positive change by raising awareness about the long-lasting impact of terrorism and by honouring those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were forever altered. This year’s International Day commemoration will consist of a live virtual event featuring a high-level segment followed by a panel discussion featuring victims and survivors of terrorism. In the lead up to International Day, from 23 July to 23 August 2024, the “Memories” exhibition, alongside three Legacy Project short clips, will be displayed in the Visitors’ Lobby of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

1. High-level Virtual Event: On 21 August 2024, the International Day commemoration will feature a high-level virtual event, which will include a pre-recorded message from the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, as well as statements by the Under-Secretary-General for CounterTerrorism, Mr Vladimir Voronkov, the co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism (Iraq and Spain) and two victims of terrorism who will share their experiences and deliver a call-to-action emphasizing how education and peace are interlinked to peacebuilding.

2. Panel Discussion on Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators: A virtual panel discussion will follow the high-level segment. The panel will feature five participants, including victims and survivors of terrorism, victims’ associations and Member States to reflect and foster discussion on the transformative power of victims’ voices when used to raise awareness, build peace, and contribute to strengthening more resilient communities. Panelists will also discuss initiatives that have successfully promoted peace and understanding, offering valuable insight into efforts to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. The final panel selection will be geographically diverse and gender balanced. Read the concept note!

PUBLICATIONS: Study of terrorism and Responses to terrorism from a consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism.

STATEMENTS: United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024; August 21st and the Statement of the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Mr. Ben Saul on International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024.