UN Survivors and Victims of Terrorism: ‘You Are Not Alone’ |

The event included keynote speeches, an interactive session led by prominent victim advocates and a premiere of “Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Connections”.

It comes as the world prepares to celebrate 20 years since the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC – killing 3,000 people and leaving countless wounded and sick in the rubble – and as all eyes turn to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.

praise

Opening of the high-level event, Secretary-General António Guterres He paid tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism – from New York to Baghdad to the front lines of conflict in Africa’s Sahel region.

“where [2001]We have seen terrorism take on new and previously unimaginable forms, killing and maiming many thousands more around the world, destroying families and upending communities,” he said, adding that violent religious and political extremism, xenophobia and racism have added to the toll.

He noted the loneliness and isolation experienced by many survivors and families affected by terrorism COVID-19 The pandemic and movement restrictions have limited their ability to communicate with loved ones.

In some cases, the epidemic has also led to the loss of essential resources for rehabilitation.

Highlighting the theme of World Day 2021 in his book formal letter‘Connection’ is a critical healing factor for many survivors of terrorism, helping them feel heard and seen, the UN Secretary-General said.

“Today, we say to all victims and survivors of terrorism: You are not alone,” He said.

support platform

In the years following the 9/11 attacks, the United Nations and its member states stepped up efforts to support the rights of survivors of terrorism and to create platforms for networking and working alongside civil society, victims’ associations, and victims’ associations. the victims themselves.

The organization has also taken steps to build a robust counter-terrorism architecture, tasked with assisting states in developing and implementing effective counter-terrorism frameworks in line with human rights law.

In a historic move, the file Security Council adopted Resolution 1373 (2001), Create United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee.

The General Assembly also adopted Resolution 60/288, create United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which are reviewed by Member States every two years.

Mr. Guterres said on Friday that despite these steps, More “National legislation and comprehensive assistance plans are badly needed” To meet the needs of victims of terrorism and their families.

To expand its role as a platform for communication between victims, survivors, families and defenders, the United Nations will also launch the first Global Conference on Victims of Terrorism in December 2021.

I look ahead

Opening the high-level event on Friday, Mr. Guterres emphasized that commemorating not only honoring those who lost their lives, but also looking forward to a better understanding of the global community’s shared responsibility to prevent future terrorist attacks.

The clearest way The United Nations is working to keep people safe and defuse terrorist narrativesincluding by addressing “the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and supporting efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.”

In the second of June High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism He concluded amid calls for redoubled attention to the increasingly complex terrorism response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

surround the day

The International Day follows a Security Council debate on the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups and the first-ever independent body. statment On the role of technology in protecting UN peacekeepers amid asymmetric threats.

It also comes days after the file urgent meeting On Afghanistan, the top UN official appealed to the international community to ensure that the country was never again used as a platform or safe haven for terrorists.

Recent weeks have also seen an increased focus on the seriousness of terrorism Online transformation, Beside Increasing calls For a comprehensive global convention on international terrorism.