Secretary-General Pays Tribute to Victims, Families, People of the United States, Marking Two Decades Since 11 September Terrorist Attacks

The following statement by Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

Today we mark a sombre day seared in the minds of millions of people around the world.  A day when nearly 3,000 lives from over 90 countries were taken by terrorists in cowardly and heinous attacks in the United States.  Thousands more were injured.

On this day, my thoughts are with the victims and their families.  We pay tribute to the survivors, who have had to overcome physical and emotional scars to get on with their lives.

We honour the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way, with many making the ultimate sacrifice, exemplifying the very humanity and compassion that terrorism seeks to erase.

And we remember the solidarity, unity and resolve expressed 20 years ago by the international community, aiming for a future without terrorism.

Today, we stand in solidarity with the people of New York City and the United States, as well as all victims of terrorism everywhere around the world.  We recommit ourselves to work together to uphold their rights and needs.