UN Counter-Terrorism Chief Vladimir Voronkov at Security Council meeting (archive). Spain Discusses Support for Victims of Terrorism UN
The portal created at the UN to support people who have survived an act of terrorism will now operate around the clock. This was announced by Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, speaking at the opening of the Conference on Victims of Terrorism. The forum began its work in Spain.
The international conference brought together over 400 delegates, including representatives from 66 countries and 59 victims of terrorism. The event is held under the motto “Education as a tool for prevention, peacebuilding and empowerment of victims of terrorism.” The idea is for victims of terrorist attacks to act as educators, peacemakers and agents of change.
Opening the forum, Voronkov recalled the horrific terrorist attacks against Israel committed a year ago by Hamas and other militants.
In the Call to Action, timed to coincide with the opening of the conference in Spain, the authors of this document express their solidarity with all victims. They reminded the forum that “even in the darkest times, we can continue to strive for a brighter future together.”
The Call calls for increased support for victims of terrorism, especially in contexts where disinformation and lack of opportunity can fuel violent extremism. It also stresses the need to take into account the views of victims themselves when developing counter-terrorism policies.
Vladimir Voronkov expressed hope that the conference “will serve as an impetus for a more effective, humane and fit-for-purpose agenda for victims of terrorism.” “We must all rise to the occasion. We owe it to the victims and survivors of terrorism to provide them with the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives,” he said.
The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre at the Office of Counter-Terrorism leads the Global Programme for Victims of Terrorism, which was launched in 2018.