Highlight collective action for victims of terrorism

ACTS of terrorism propagating a wide range of hateful ideologies continue to injure, harm and kill thousands of innocent people each year. Terrorists show no regard for the lives, safety, or well-being of civilians in their armed conflicts, focusing solely on carrying out acts of terror to serve their own interests.

 

While countries around the world widely condemn terrorism, victims and survivors often struggle to have their voices heard, their needs met, and their rights protected. Many feel overlooked once the immediate aftermath of an attack passes, which can have lasting effects on their physical and mental well-being. Few United Nations Member States have the resources or capacities to address the needs of victims for full recovery, rehabilitation, and re­integration into society. Most victims require multi-dimen­sional support to cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.

 

Member States bear the primary responsibility for sup­porting victims of terrorism and upholding their rights. The United Nations assists them in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by providing capacity-building support, technical assistance, and establishing networks. It also supports civil society or­ganizations, including those representing victims. Indeed, it is necessary to encourage Member States to promote, protect, and respect the rights of victims.

 

To commemorate the eighth International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations will host a pre-recorded high-level virtual event titled “United by Hope: Collective Action for Victims of Terrorism.” This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collaboration across communities, regions, and experiences. The Interna­tional Day calls on everyone to listen to, support, and stand with victims in building a more inclusive, resilient, and peaceful future.

 

In this regard, everybody needs to focus on their actions leading to the interests of people. If even their acts are legitimate, they have to analyze their actions to determine whether these might be similar to terror acts and their impacts or not. They need to always consider the lives of innocent civilians to avoid intentional or unintentional acts of violence against them. It is because those innocent people do not have any arms or tactics to fight terrorists in ordinary times.

 

Nevertheless, the public should not passively tolerate or submit to the actions of terrorists. It is important to recognize that their collective strength is a powerful force. Only when the people stand together in unity can they overcome and defeat any form of actions of terrorism. What is needed is a firm determina­tion among all of them to relentlessly combat and eradicate the ideology of terrorism.