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Press Release
HR/5475

United Nations Commemorates Fifth International Day of Remembrance, Tribute to Victims of Terrorism, 21 August

New York, 19 August 2022 — The United Nations will hold its fifth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 21 August 2022 with a virtual high-level event highlighting the power of memories.  The event will be broadcast live on UN Web TV from 9 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. EDT and feature remarks by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov and the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of Spain.  Four victims of terrorism from Indonesia, Morocco, Norway and Uganda will share their experiences and deliver testimonies on the power of memories.  The commemoration is organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism.

Remembrance of and paying tribute to victims of terrorism plays a central role in demonstrating that their status as victims is respected and recognized.  The International Day serves to commemorate and uphold the dignity of victims and highlights the importance of global solidarity in ensuring that victims are not forgotten. The theme for this year’s International Day is “Memories” and was selected following consultation with victims and victims’ associations.  Memories bind us together as if connected by a red thread, a fil rouge: a thread that signifies our common humanity and solidarity with those who have suffered irreparable losses in the most heinous of circumstances.

The cornerstone of this year’s virtual observance is the “Memories” campaign, launched by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism  earlier this year.  Through film, photography, and carefully crafted captions, the “Memories” campaign tells the stories of victims of terrorism from across the globe who share their memories, emotions and the meaning that they attach to a personal object.

This year’s International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism takes place as the world struggles to transition out of the public health emergency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and confronts the social transformations it has created or accelerated.  At the same time, victims of terrorism continue to experience uncertainty and anxiety as armed conflicts, violent attacks, and terrorist acts around the world continue to make headlines and perhaps exacerbate or trigger their traumas.

The 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 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.

On 8-9 September 2022, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism will host the United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism at United Nations Headquarters in New York.  Convened under the auspices of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the Congress will provide an opportunity for Member States, victims of terrorism, civil society, academics, experts, and the private sector to promote dialogue and engagement on key issues related to the rights and needs of victims of terrorism.

More Information

https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/2022-terrorism-victims-day

  • Follow us on Twitter (@UN_OCT) or visit the United Nations Victims of Terrorism Support Portal
  • Contact:  gerardl@un.org, Public Information Officer, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
Human rights
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