The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is annually observed across the globe on 21st August to honour the victims, support the survivors of terrorism. The day also promote human rights and fundamental freedom.
- 21st August 2024 marks the 7th commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Theme:
i.The theme of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024 is, “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators”.
ii.The 2024 theme emphasises the pivotal role of victims and survivors as agents of change and peace educators.
Background:
i.The 17th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution A/HRC/RES/17/8 of 16 June 2011, proposed the “Proclamation of 19 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism”.
ii.On 19th December 2017, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/165, proclaiming 21 August of every year as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
iii.The 1st International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was observed on 21st August 2018.
The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy:
i.The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional, and international efforts to counter-terrorism.
ii.On 8 September 2006, the strategy was adopted by the UNGA resolution A/RES/60/288, indicating widespread agreement among the UN member states for a common strategic and operational approach to fighting terrorism.
iii.The strategy emphasises that the UN member states hold primary responsibility for implementing the plan and countering terrorism and violent extremism.
iv.The UN aids in this effort by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), particularly victims’ associations.
Role of the Member States:
i.Through the biennial review resolutions of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Member States recognises the role of victims in countering terrorism, promoting solidarity, and preventing extremism.
ii.Since the 6th review of the strategy in 2018, support for victims has grown, evidenced by the formation of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism (GFVT)in 2019.
iii.The 8th review resolution (2023) emphasises supporting victims, particularly women, and children, and welcomed the 1st UN Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism (GCVT) in 2022, in New York (United States of America (USA)).
- It also encourages the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), through the Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme and the UN Victims of Terrorism Support Portal, to promote victims’ rights globally.
2024 Events:
i.On 21 August 2024, a high-level virtual event followed by a virtual panel discussion titled “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators” was organised as a part of the observance.
ii.As part of the activities, the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the UNOCT, “Memories” exhibition is on display in the Visitors’ Lobby of the UN Headquarters in New York, USA from 23 July to 23 August 2024.
Upcoming Event:
The UNOCT and the Kingdom of Spain will host the UN International Conference on Victims of Terrorism, on 8 and 9 October 2024, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
- The conference is organised in follow-up to the 1st UN Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism (GCVT) in 2022.
About the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):
The UNOCT was established on 15 June 2017
Under-Secretary-General– Mr. Vladimir Voronkov
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
