United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Remembrance Of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is annually observed across the globe on 21st August to honour the survivors of terrorism and also pay tribute to the victims of terrorism.
- 21st August 2022 marks the commemoration of the 5th International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
- The Theme of International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2022 is “Memories”.
Background:
i.The Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/17/8 proposed to proclaim the 19th August of every year as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
ii.United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), adopted the resolution A/RES/72/165 on 19th December 2017 and proclaimed the 21st August of every year as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
- The first International day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was observed on 21st August 2018.
Significance:
Terrorism continues to destroy the lives of thousands of people every year across the world. The victims need multidimensional support, including physical, psychological, financial and social.
The day aims to encourage the member states of the UN to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims of terrorism.
ii.The UN member states have the responsibility to support the victims and uphold their rights and it plays a vital role in providing assistance to the member countries in countering terrorism.
- In April 2020, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres published the report on “Progress of the UN system to support the Member States in assisting victims of terrorism” as required by the General Assembly.
- The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution was adopted in 2006. It states that terrorism “constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”.
The pillars of UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution:
- Addressing the conditions that are leading to the spread of terrorism.
- Taking measures to prevent and counter terrorism.
- Taking measures to build the capacity of the state to prevent and fight terrorism, and to strengthen the role of UN system in this regard.
- Taking measure to ensure the respect for human rights for all, and the rule of law as the primary basis for the combat against terrorism.
Events:
i.The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) organized a virtual event ‘Surviving Terrorism: The Power of Memories’ – International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 21 August 2022
ii.The event features a keynote address by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and remarks from Under-Secretary-General of the UNOCT Vladimir Voronkov and the co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism.
iii.It also features testimonies from victims of terrorism from across the globe showcasing personal objects that highlight the remembrance, recognition and resilience traits personified by each one of them.
iv.The “Memories” campaign was launched by UNOCT’s United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT).
About United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):
Secretary-General- Vladimir Voronkov
Headquarters- New York, United States
Established- 2017
