International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2022, August 21st.

 FORUM: "Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Memories." International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2022.

Remembrance of and paying tribute to victims of terrorism plays a central role in demonstrating that their status as victims is respected and recognised. 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.

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2022; August 21st. 

"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".

U.N. Secreatry-General.

EVENTS

To mark the fifth commemoration of the International Day, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) is organizing a high-level pre-recorded event entitled ‘Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Memories’ to be broadcast on Sunday, 21 August 2022, on UN Web TV. The pre-recorded event will be opened by United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and feature the participation of the co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of Spain, testimonies from four victims of terrorism, and closing remarks by Under-Secretary General for Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov.

CAMPAIGN

The cornerstone of this year’s virtual observance is the “Memories”External link campaign, launched by UNOCT’s United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) 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.