Commemoration to highlight "Healing Through Memory" and to promote safe digital spaces for victims of terrorism.

 


– To mark the ninth International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations will convene a virtual high-level event on Friday, 21 August, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. EDT under the theme “Healing Through Memory.” Selected through consultations with the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), the 2026 theme will explore the vital role that respectful, victim-centred, and trauma-informed remembrance plays in recovery, resilience, and social cohesion. While acts of collective memory and public solidarity offer powerful pathways to healing, the commemoration also highlights the critical need to protect victims and survivors from secondary harm, re-traumatization, and online abuse. The International Day serves as both a tribute to the resilience of victims and a call to action to ensure remembrance honours their dignity, respects their rights, and contributes to longterm recovery and healing. The high-level segment will feature a keynote message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, opening remarks by Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Alexandre Zouev, a statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, and a Global Minute of Silence. A key highlight of the segment, titled “Victims’ Voices,” will feature victims and survivors from diverse regions sharing personal reflections on memory, commemoration, and healing. As part of this year's observance, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) will mark the launch of a victim-led briefing paper developed by VoTAN members titled “Building a Safer Internet for Victims of Terrorism.” The publication examines digital harms faced by victims of terrorism worldwide and offers concrete recommendations to foster safer, trauma-informed digital spaces for survivors. The event will conclude with video messages from VoTAN members on the theme of “Healing Through Memory” and a musical tribute performed by the UN Chamber Music Society. Established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 72/165 (2017), the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on 21 August to honour victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and promote and protect their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Event details Date: Friday, 21 August 2026 
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m. EDT 
Venue:  United Nations Headquarters

Watch the livestream on UN Web TV. More information: bit.ly/INFO-VOT2026










Location: 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA

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