A new UN initiative aims to drive collective action to support the rights and needs of people everywhere whose lives have been upended by the continuing threat posed by terrorism.

 


The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN). The network is a key outcome from the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022. It brings together victims and survivors of terrorism, victims’ associations and civil society organizations from across the globe, The goal is to provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders.


Solidarity, advocacy and assistance

Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, expressed solidarity with all victims regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, and paid tribute to their courage and resilience.

“In the face of unimaginable personal tragedy, many have chosen to raise their voices, becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and tolerance,” he said, while also calling for greater support.

“In many cases, the needs of victims and survivors are urgent and underfunded. International and national assistance remains critical,” he stressed.


Understanding victims’ needs

The development of VoTAN received financial support from Spain and its launch marks an important step which will allow victims to connect and support each other, said the country’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno.

“Synergies between civil society and governments are essential to understanding the needs of victims, so we trust that other Member States, especially those belonging to the Group of Friends, will also support the Global Network,” he added.

The Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, chaired by Spain and Iraq, was established nearly six years ago to uphold the need to protect victims’ rights.

Co-chair Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq, reaffirmed the Group’s solidarity with all those affected.

“They all have our utmost respect and commitment to continue doing everything necessary to make them feel recognised, cared for and protected,” he said.


Transforming pain into purpose

The event concluded with statements from five victims of terrorism and victims’ associations.

Grace Acan from Uganda highlighted “the critical importance of collaboration, resilience and partnership” in her remarks.

“Through partnerships, we can amplify our voices, advocate for justice and ensure that the needs of victims are met with compassion and urgency,” she said.

“Together, we can transform our pain into purpose, creating a safer, more inclusive world for all.”



The Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) was launched in April 2025 as a global community that unites victims of terrorism and victims’ associations from all backgrounds, recognizes the diversity of victims and the issues that are important to them, drives collective action in favor of victims’ rights, and demonstrates the significant expertise and resilience of its members as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders. By facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices, and amplifying the voices of victims, the network aims to strengthen the resilience of societies against the impact of terrorism. It provides a platform for victims and associations to work together, receive peer support, and engage in advocacy efforts to ensure their needs and rights are addressed at both national and international levels. Through this collective effort, the network will foster solidarity and empower victims to contribute to the global counter-terrorism dialogue. The development of the network was supported by a financial contribution from the Kingdom of Spain. Please reach out to OCT-VOT@un.org for more information


VoTAM

About the UN Global Congress of the Victims of Terrorism " Advancing the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism."

Building on the momentum created by the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism in 2022, the United Nations International Conference on Victims of Terrorism: Education as a Tool for Prevention, Peacebuilding and Empowerment of Victims of Terrorism, is being hosted by the Kingdom of Spain in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz on 8-9 October 2024. The conference will bring together Member States, victims of terrorism, experts, practitioners, and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration, inspire innovative solutions, and advocate for a holistic approach to addressing the needs of victims of terrorism while striving to build more peaceful and resilient societies.









 

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