International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

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

  August 21st marks the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, a date established by the United Nations to honor the memory of those affected by terrorism and to reaffirm the global commitment to justice, peace and prevention. To this end, parliaments play a crucial role in developing and overseeing public policies that address terrorism from a multidimensional perspective . As representative institutions, they are responsible for enacting laws that prevent radicalization, protect fundamental rights, and support the empowerment and inclusion of victims , especially of young people. In addition to highlighting the importance of education in promoting democratic values , the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of victims of terrorism and of recognizing the vital role they can play in preventing violent extremism. Through its initiatives, the IPU encourages legislators to suppo...