For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/1079
20 August 2019
VIENNA, 21 August (UN Information Service) - Recent terrorist attacks around the world have driven home the terrible truth that no society, no country remains unscathed or unscarred. Too many people continue to lose their lives to terrorism, and families and communities continue to grapple with the aftermath.
This year's International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism focuses on the resilience and courage of victims and survivors, and honours the many women and men who have overcome tragedy to become vital allies in the fight against terrorism.
Their voices rise above the twisted narratives of terrorists and sound a clarion call for justice. It is the duty of the international community to amplify these voices.
Solidarity must be backed by meaningful support. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is dedicated to empowering all those affected by terrorism to take action.
Victims and survivors often face challenges in seeking justice. These can include difficulties with access to information before, during and after the criminal process, as well as a lack of appropriate gender- and age-sensitive mechanisms or coordination to provide longer-term medical, financial and psychosocial support.
Governments must do more to advance victim-centred, rights-based criminal justice approaches as part of comprehensive counter-terrorism frameworks that address all aspects of victims' needs even as they hold perpetrators to account. UNODC is enabling such responses, in close coordination with our partners, through support to implement the UN global counter-terrorism strategy.
On this day of remembrance and tribute for all those who have suffered at the hands of terrorists, let us reaffirm our determination to stand united and do everything we can to keep such tragedies from occurring again.
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For further information please contact:
Sonya
Yee
Speechwriter and Spokesperson, UNODC
Phone: (+43 1) 26060-4990
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-4990
Email: sonya.yee[at]un.org
