UN Photo UN headquarters in New York. UN Secretary General: Memory of victims of terrorism should help healing, not incite hatred Peace and Security
This year’s International Day of Remembrance and Remembrance for the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21st, is under the theme “Healing through Memory.” The UN emphasizes that by preserving the stories of victims, societies can strengthen social cohesion and help prevent violence.
“Today we pay tribute to the victims of terrorism and those who have suffered from it. We honor their courage… and reaffirm our commitment to defending their rights and dignity,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a message to mark the International Day.
“Healing through Remembrance”
The theme was chosen in collaboration with the Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations. It aims to remind people that remembering can promote long-term recovery from terrorist attacks and help prevent future violence. At the same time, the UN emphasizes, memorial events must be carried out with respect for the victims, take into account the trauma they experienced and do not harm them.
“Victims’ stories should never be exploited or used to incite hatred, including on digital platforms,” the Secretary-General said.
According to the UN chief, responsible memorialization helps protect victims from further pain and counter the propaganda that is one of its goals. terrorism.
“Instead of allowing fear to divide us, we can and must remain united,” he added.
Voices of Terrorism Survivors
To mark International Day, the UN is hosting a virtual event on August 21 level. Its participants honored the memory of victims of terrorism around the world with a global minute of silence.
The centerpiece of the program is the survivors of the terrorist attacks themselves. Speakers at the event include Joseph Pfeiffer, a former New York City fire chief who was one of the first to arrive at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and lost his brother in the attack; Rachel Goldberg-Paulin, Hersch’s mother Goldberg-Paulin, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and subsequently killed in captivity; as well as Saynab Warsame from Somalia and Yasmine Bouzidi from Morocco, who suffered as a result of the actions of terrorist groups.
B As part of the event, a new initiative of the Network of Associations of Victims of Terrorism was presented. The project is dedicated to the negative experiences that victims face on the Internet. Participants made recommendations to technology platforms on how to make the digital space more victim-centred and trauma-inclusive, and prevent re-traumatization. The UN calls on states, international organizations, civil society, educators, media and technology companies to promote responsible remembrance, protect the rights of victims and promote recovery from trauma. “Today, as every day, let us show solidarity with the victims and those affected. And build a future in which there is no place for violence and fear,” said the Secretary General.