International Day for Victims of Terrorism: Commemoration of victims must be victim-centered, rights-based, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed

 

 

 

 

In a video message on the occasion of the International Day for Victims of Terrorism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to support these victims worldwide.

 

The text of this message is as follows:

Today, we pay tribute to the victims and survivors of terrorism.

We honor their courage;

We amplify their voices;

And we reaffirm our commitment to their dignity and rights.

This year’s theme, “Healing Through Memory,” reminds us that remembering is a path to recovery and renewal. But how we remember matters.

Victims’ stories should never be exploited or used to fuel further hatred, including on digital platforms.

When we commemorate responsibly, we protect victims from further harm and counter the harmful narratives that terrorism seeks to spread.

Instead of letting terror divide us, we can and must remain united.

Today and every day, let us stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors.

And let’s build a future free from violence and fear.

Thank you.

 

Also, Alexander Zouev, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, issued a statement on the occasion at the 9th UN General Assembly for Victims of Terrorism. The text of the message is as follows:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, it is a great honor to join you today in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

This year’s theme, “Healing through Memory,” highlights the vital role of remembrance in recovery and resilience.

By honoring those who have lost their lives and recognizing the experiences of victims and survivors, we reaffirm their dignity and help strengthen the healing of individuals, families, and communities affected by terrorism.

Collective actions to commemorate have enormous power.

When communities come together in solidarity, they acknowledge the suffering that must never be forgotten, preserve the truth of what happened, and confront denial and distortion.

In doing so, they not only pay tribute to those affected, but also strengthen the foundations of more resilient and inclusive societies.

However, recall must be done carefully.

It should be victim-centered, rights-based, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed.

This is especially true in today’s digital environment.

While online platforms have created new opportunities to amplify victims’ voices and foster solidarity, the increased presence often exposes victims and survivors to abuse, harassment, and harmful media coverage.

Addressing these challenges is a key priority for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

Through our collaboration with victims’ associations, we are committed to promoting approaches that place their rights, dignity and perspectives at the centre of national and international efforts. Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we will hear from victims and survivors representing different regions of the world.

Their voices remind us that behind every act of terrorism, lives are changed forever.

The commemoration also marks an important milestone: the launch of the first victim-led publication produced by the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations, known as VoTAN, entitled “Creating a Safer Internet for Victims of Terrorism.”

 

Drawing directly on the lived experiences of victims and survivors, the publication offers recommendations for governments, technology companies and civil society to help create digital spaces that protect, rather than re-harm, those affected by terrorism. We congratulate VoTAN on this important achievement and thank the Kingdom of Spain for supporting UNOCT in establishing the network, and the German Federal Foreign Office, whose continued cooperation will help maintain and strengthen it until 2026.

Dear colleagues, let this International Day serve not only as a formal tribute to the victims of terrorism, but also as a renewed commitment to uphold the rights of victims and survivors, support their recovery, and ensure that their voices continue to shape our collective response to terrorism.

To all victims and survivors of terrorism: Thank you for your courage, leadership and trust. The United Nations stands with you.

Thank you.