The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism annually on 21st August to honour victims, support survivors, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- 21st August 2025 marks the 8th commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Exam Hints:
- What? International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2025
- When? August 21(annually)
- Aim: Honour victims, support survivors of terrorism, and promote human rights
- Commemoration: 8th
- 2025 Theme 2: United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism
- VoTAN 2025: Launched by the UN, to empower victims via peer-led initiatives and advocacy
- First Observance: 21 August 2018
Theme :
2025 Theme: “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism”.
Focus: Highlights hope emerging when victims unite to transform pain into purpose.
- Emphasizes cross-regional, cultural, and experiential support and collective advocacy.
Background:
Resolution: The 17th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), through resolution A/HRC/RES/17/8 on 16 June 2011, proposed 19 August as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism.
Proclamation: On 19 December 2017, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/72/165, officially proclaiming 21 August of every year as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
First Observance: The first International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was observed on 21 August 2018.
About UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy:
Overview: The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a global framework strengthening national, regional, and international efforts against terrorism.
Adoption A: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/60/288, on 8 September 2006, reflecting global consensus on counter-terrorism strategy
Primary Responsibility: The UN member states bear the main responsibility to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
UN Support: Provides technical assistance, capacity building, and support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), especially victims’ associations.
Member State Support:
Recognition by Member States: Biennial reviews of the strategy highlight victims’ role in countering terrorism and promoting solidarity.
GFVT Formation: Since the 6th review in 2018, support for victims has strengthened, marked by the formation of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism (GFVT) in 2019.
8th Review (2023): Emphasized support for victims, especially women and children; welcomed the 1st UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism (GCVT) in 2022, New York, United States of America (USA).
Support Mechanisms: The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) promotes victims’ rights through the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme and UN Victims of Terrorism Support Portal.
VoTAN 2025: Launched by the United Nations and international partners, the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) 2025 aims to empower victims worldwide by promoting peer-led initiatives, advocacy, and shared leadership across countries and communities.
2025 Events:
High-Level Virtual Event: Held on 21 August 2025 titled “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism”.
- The event featured keynote remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, opening remarks by Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, screening of VoTAN film, and a Global Minute of Silence.
Exhibition :The Visitors’ Lobby of the United Nations Headquarters in New York(the USA) hosts an exhibition, providing attendees with a powerful and meaningful showcase that reflects the theme and purpose of the International Day.
About United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):
Under-Secretary-General- Vladimir Voronkov
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 2017
