International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Acts of terrorism, driven by hateful ideologies, continue to injure, harm and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Thursday; August 21st is the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism — a time to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors, amplify their voices and raise awareness of the impact of terrorism. Marking the day, United Nations Secretary-General ; Mr.  Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of upholding victims’ rights, delivering justice and standing by them at every step of their healing journey. “United by hope, we can build a future free from terrorism, where all people live in dignity and without fear,” he affirmed.

On this solemn day, we honour the victims and survivors of terrorism everywhere – saluting their courage, acknowledging their pain, and reaffirming our enduring commitment to peace, justice, and human rights. This year’s theme, “United by Hope,” reflects the strength of victims coming together to turn suffering into solidarity, and anguish into action. Victims of terrorism are showing the way: supporting one another, speaking out, and championing the rights of all those affected. I welcome the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network – supported by the United Nations – which fosters partnership, amplifies victims’ voices, and empowers them to shape decisions that affect their lives. Governments, civil society, and the international community must match their courage – by upholding victims’ rights, delivering justice, and standing with them at every step of their healing journey. United by hope, we can build a future free from terrorism, where all people live in dignity a...

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, pays tribute, on this International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, to all those who have lost their lives and to those who continue to endure the physical, psychological, and social consequences of terrorist and extremist acts. The Chairperson underscores that the memory of the victims serves as a constant reminder of the urgent need to intensify collective efforts to eradicate terrorism, which continues to sow devastation, destroy communities, and threaten peace, security, and development in Africa. In this regard, the Chairperson recalls that the African Union has established a solid normative framework through the 1999 OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and its 2004 Protocol. He urges all Member States to fully implement these instruments, which embody the continent’s collective commitment to fighting this scourge. The Chairperson stresses the necessity o...

  2025 Event — United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism. On the eighth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 21 August 2025, join us in recognizing the strength and leadership of victims and survivors who are coming together to drive change. Inspired by the newly launched Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), this year’s theme — United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism — highlights the power of solidarity and collaboration across communities, regions, and experiences. The International Day calls on all of us to listen, support, and act alongside victims to build a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful future. For more information about the 2025 International Day events, please see bit.ly/INFO-VOT2025 #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism #VictimsofTerrorism

This year's theme " United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism ", is inspired by members of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) and emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose. This year will mark the eighth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism . Amid the multiplicity of violent conflicts and terrorist attacks worldwide, this day continues to honour victims and survivors of terrorism, ensure their voices are elevated, raise awareness and highlight global solidarity. By amplifying the voices and experiences of victims, the International Day seeks to inspire collective action and empower individuals and communities to work towards a future defined by peace, solidarity, and resilience.  United by shared experiences across regions, cultures, and communities, victims and victims' associations are leading the way; offering mutual sup...

  .The Webinar will be held from 14:00 to16:00 CEST (Geneva time) on 21 August 2025.

From 14:10 to 14:40, Participants will debate on the Theme 1: Educational policies for preventing terrorism. This session will explore international cooperation, legal frameworks, and educational strategies essential for preventing terrorism . Experts will provide insights into effective legislative measures, the role of global partnerships, and how education can be leveraged to counter violent extremism and uphold human rights.   Panellists : • Mr. Ben Saul, Professor, Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism • Mr. Sobhi Tawil, Director, International Bureau of Education, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (To be confirmed) • Mr. Roberto Arbitrio, Chief, Terrorism Prevention Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 

 From 14:40 to 15:10  Participants will debate on the Theme 2: Empowering Victims through Education: Parliamentary Views, Expert Contributions, and Youth Engagement.   This session will discuss how education empowers victims of terrorism in preventing violent extremism and counter-terrorism . Experts will share legislative insights, highlight community resilience, and the role of young in prevention and recovery . The aim is to identify strategies that support victims and foster social cohesion through education.   Panellists : • Ms.Fatima Akilu, Executive Director, Neem Foundation, Nigeria • Mr. Mattias Karlsson (Sweden), member of parliament, HLAG former Chairperson and current member • Mr. Gennaro Migliore, President Emeritus of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) • Mr. Imrana Buba, Founder of the Youth Coalition Against Terrorism • Mr. Guillaume Denoix de Saint Marc, Vice-President of the V-Europe

On August 21st , the IPU will mark the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism with a high-level webinar focused on Educational Policies for Preventing Terrorism and Empowering Victims. The event will gather parliamentarians, education experts, civil society, and victims’ representatives to discuss how inclusive, victim-centered education can prevent violent extremism and support recovery, especially among young victims . Parliaments play a crucial role in promoting laws and policies that foster peace, human rights, and social cohesion while recognizing the unique needs of those affected by terrorism .  MPs, education experts, and victims' representatives will convene on August 21st, the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, to consider how education can be leveraged to counter violent extremism and uphold human rights . During the webinar, experts will share positive case studies that support victims and co...