Victims, Survivors of Terrorism Must Always be Heard, Never Forgotten, Says Secretary-General, in Message for International Day

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on 21 August:

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is a day of reflection, recognition and action.

We reflect on the pain and suffering of those who lost loved ones; and we resolve to listen to them and learn from them.

We commit to support survivors scarred by heinous acts of terrorism by amplifying their voices, protecting their rights and seeking justice.  And by mobilizing Member States to provide the legal, medical, psychosocial, or financial support they need to heal and live with dignity.

The theme of this International Day focuses on the importance of memories.  Too often victims feel abandoned after the initial shock of a terrorist attack.  It is our collective responsibility to remember and honour victims and survivors.

I look forward to learning and hearing directly from survivors about their needs and challenges, at the Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism next month.

On this International Day and every day, let us make sure that victims and survivors are always heard and never forgotten.  And let us do everything we can to prevent more victims in the future.

Thank you.